samoschier

[samoschier]

Guess They Call It Fallin’ | Matthew Knies

summary: you and matthew promised yourselves once you took each others virginity's, nothing would change between you. but fast forward 3 years - between casual hook ups and spending all your time with one another: you can't help but fall deeper and deeper in love with your best friend.

24.8+K

warnings: NSFW! slow burn | friends with benefits | friends to lovers | loss of virginity (reader + matthew | secret relationship | angst | fluff | suggestive themes | alcohol | smut | kissing | grinding | fingering | unprotected! p in v intercourse | read at your own discretion.

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Prologue: 3 years ago

since your shared freshman year of highschool, you knew you'd follow matthew knies anywhere.

when you moved to arizona the summer before the september school year, you had never dreaded anything more than the first day of highschool. all that fear and dread faded when you sat down in your home room beside matthew.

you're not sure how it even happened, but soon enough you and matthew became best friends. maybe it was because he reminded you of your old friends from public school - or maybe it was the way matthew treated you so kindly that very first day. you two were always seen with one another - in school halls and out of them.

it didn't take long for you to realize you had feelings for your best friend. I mean, he was nothing short of perfect. your little teenage hormones couldn't help but notice how handsome he was and how good he smelled - his growing biceps and how he seemed to get taller every summer: it was impossible to not fall for him.

you were always good at hiding your feelings. in fear of loosing your closest friend, you didn't even give hints away that you craved something more with matthew. you would take your friendship and hidden crush over loosing him completely- always.

but then something changed.

it was your senior year of highschool. college and university acceptance letters were flying through the doors, celebratory parties and drinking away the weekends were constant reminders of the upcoming graduation. like you've always known, you would follow your best friend everywhere - and that included post secondary school. when matthew got accepted to play for the university of minnesota's hockey team, you worked your butt off to get the grades the university was looking for. all that extra studying, and staying up late for practice payed off: you were accepted to the university of minnesota.

with only a week left before graduation, you and matthew found yourselves at some mutual friends house party. although most people were swimming or laughing by the bonfire, you found yourselves off to the side - enjoying the presence of one another as you lounged on sun beds and stared up at the stars.

the air was warm, and the alcohol in your system was keeping your blood running hot. you were still coherent and conscious - not having drank that much. matthew was the same, with flushed cheeks and a dopey smile, but not slurring or tired. you were both just...free and happy.

"hey," he said at your side, your attention drawn away from the night sky and over to him. he was so handsome, even more so with a cheesy smile and dim outside lighting. you swallow thickly and quirk a brow in his direction. matthew continues, "I just thought of something kind of crazy."

you turn you head so you can look at him comfortably, "oh no."

he laughs, "no nothing like, that crazy." suddenly, he springs up, now sitting with his knees facing you. "come here."

your brows shoot up, but you listen, hesitantly following suit and mimicking your best friends position. your knees brush against his much larger ones, the hairs tickling your bare skin - goose bumps rising over your tan legs. then, he slots his thighs between yours, and you get goosebumps for a whole other reason.

matthew leans in close, almost looking as if he was going to kiss you. you don't move an inch, just watching as he gets closer and closer to your parted lips. just when you go to close your eyes, his breath fans against your warm face.

"you know how we talked about uni - and how it's different there. how the hookup scene is wilder and how easy it will be there to loose our virginities?"

oh.

you recover from the thought that you were about to finally be kissed and furrow your brows. "yeah, what about that?"

"I was thinking - and you don't have to say yes or agree, but..." he pauses and analyzes your face quickly. you urge him to continue with a nudge against his thigh. "by the time we are both 18 and if we are still virgins - we should just have sex...together."

you're glad it's dark outside because your face and neck flush beat red. "matty..."

he sighs, and bows his head slightly. "It's crazy, I know. I just thought who better than each other, right? it's stupid, I shouldn't of said anything-"

maybe it was the alcohol or maybe it was because you were hopelessly addicted to making matthew happy but you grab his face between your small palms, urging him to look into your eyes. "it's not stupid." you swallow gently, "and it's definitely not crazy."

matthews tongue darts out to wet his bottom lip and you feel yourself lighten. you let go of his face before you have the urge to pull him in for a kiss.

"I think we should do it."

his eyes brighten ever so slightly, "really?"

you nod, "yeah! I mean if we both turn 18 and it hasn't happened - we should just do it. that way, we will enter our 'adulthood' with a notch on each of our belts."

he smiles ever so slightly, "yeah exactly." then he sticks his thick pinky out towards you, "let's pinky promise this, y/n/n. we won't be 18 year old virgins if all else fails."

and your finger wraps around his, solidifying your agreement.

—

college was fun. you think being away from home was easy because you had matthew with you - and he was all you needed to feel at home. although you both attended parties and made new friends - it didn't happen. you were both still virgins. matthew had an excuse though - he was so busy with hockey. between training, practices and games - he barley had time to see you, never mind some other girl.

and you, well, deep down you knew you weren't seeking anybody out because you couldn't think of anybody better than matthew to take your virginity. you're sure it was just your feelings for him talking, but you didn't care.

on october 17th, matthew turned 18. you and your small group of friends went out to some campus party and at the end of the night, matthew informed you he was still a virgin. although you knew that, it was still a relief to hear. in some twisted fantasy, you can help but hope maybe matthew was purposefully avoiding girls for you.

one month and a few days later, it was the eve of your 18th birthday. it was an odd day, because instead of going out like you did for matthew's 18th birthday, you stayed in with him, watching movies and having chocolate cupcakes- just the two of you. almost like you both knew - both ready to ignite the flames of your drunken agreement many months ago, and give one another your most intimate experience.

it started before midnight even hit - you wonder if matthew was sick of waiting around with his virginity. it was a mess of lips and spit, followed by the tangle of limbs and interlocking fingers on your dorm mattress. you had to ignore how perfect kissing matthew felt - how right it all felt.

slowly, clothes disappeared and kisses travelled - excitement grew. although this was supposed to be a nerve wracking experience- there was no signs of that between either of you. only gentle smiles and longing glances.

and when you were both finally naked, matthew clumsily wrapped up with a condom and you spread to accommodate his body between your legs. he paused the kiss, slowly pulling away to see your face.

matthew smiled, pushing the hairs back and away from your flushed face. he held your cheek tenderly, and you mimick his grin. "let's not let this change anything, okay? because I can't loose you." he whispers, thumb stroking the shell of your hot ear.

you nod, "I can't loose you either." one of your hands slide down his strong shoulder and grip onto his bicep, giving him a reassuring squeeze. "it's just us, matty. nothing will ever change."

and with that, matthew slowly pushed himself into you.

the following morning, you were awoken by the quiet shuffling in your room. slowly, you crack one eye open to see matthew, now dressed and smiling gently at you.

"hey," you mumble.

"morning," he hums, "I was just about to wake you up. I'm going to practice."

"okay," you say groggily, tucking yourself deeper into your pillow and away from the daylight streaming through your small window.

he laughs at your usual sleepy routine, very much used to your morning tiredness and uninterested state. turning, he grabs his phone from were he disregarded it the night prior. "i'll text you later, okay," he says, moving back to your slumped figure - running a hand over your mess of hair.

"m'kay," you mutter into your pillow.

then he leaves.

the door clicks shut, and your eyes shoot open- memories of the night before rushing back into your brain faster than you can comprehend them. you and your best friend had sex - and it wasn't akward or painful or anything remotely close.

it was perfect. soft touches, and sweet glances and everything you had ever wanted when experiencing sex for the first time. girls in highschool had talked about there experience- how awkward it was and uncomfortable they felt. with matthew, it was out of a fairytale.

your momentary wave of panick washes away, and you smile. your hand reaching up to gently trace over your lips, thinking of matthew's soft ones slotting against them only hours before.

this was the best case scenario- and you were living it. truthfully, you were expecting it to be this easy with matthew, solely because it was him.

what you weren't expecting though, was every so often when you were both a little tipsy and needy - you'd find yourselves back in bed, sharing kisses and exchanging orgasms.

but nothing ever changed between you. it was still just you and matthew, continuing to be best friends like you haven't had the most intimate parts of one another. you weren't dating, or acting any different outside of the bedroom. just the occasional longing glance, or brushing hands, or trying your hardest to resist kissing, it was fine...really.

Part One: May 2023

you roll up to the balls of your feet and then fall back to your heels. the attempt to see over the bustling airport crowd was unsuccessful, and you sigh gently.

you knaw on your bottom lip and again try and peer over the sea of heads moving throughout the building, trying to catch a glimpse of your tall friend.

matthew had been living in toronto for a couple months while he made is nhl debut with the toronto maple leafs. although the season ended quicker than anticipated, you were still extremely proud of your friend.

with your exam schedule, you couldn't make any of the games like you had hoped. you would've spent your life savings on a plane ticket and glass seats if it meant seeing matthew play in the major league - but school had other plans for you. although, that didn't stop you from calling him or texting him after every game, both of you talking about every single thing you've missed.

in the second last game of the leafs playoff season, matthew got a concussion - a pretty bad one at that. matthew had been pretty upset, and even looked sniffly on facetime (you gave him shit for being on his phone when he wasn't supposed to, but he didn't care: he just wanted you). once he was cleared to fly back home, he called you immediately to ask if you could pick him up from the airport - obviously, you agreed.

so there you stood, in the middle of the airport as families and business men alike all passed by, distracted as they tried to make flights and get to security. it's almost 30 minutes past the time matthew had told you he'd landed. you try not to worry too much - he'd probably just gotten held up at baggage claim or needed the bathroom before he made his way to you.

just as you pull out your phone to call him, a strong arm wraps around your shoulders from behind, pulling your body into their broad chest.

you don't panick, because you know it's matthew immediately. you can smell the ralph lauren cologne he's been wearing since freshman year, and you recognize the soft material of his t-shirt - the t-shirt you've not only pressed your face into in search of hugs but also have stolen on a few occasions.

"you're not even looking for me, what the hell." matthew says against the shell of your ear. his tone of voice is clearly teasing, trying to get a rise out of you.

you spin in his grasp, your air forces squeaking against the tiled floor of the scottsdale airport. he doesn't release your shoulders, keeping you against his front. automatically, you wrap your arms around his thick waist. "it's not my fault you took an hour to get through the airport - I got bored and gave up."

he scoffs playfully, tugging the end of you ponytail, "rude."

you smirk teasingly, "you're right, that's no way to talk to an nhl superstar."

matthew blushes at your words, and his smile brightens right before your very eyes. the sight of his overwhelming happiness has your stanch swooping, butterflies banging against your sides as they fly about.

"i'm no superstar, y/n/n." he whispers, face tilted downwards so he can keep eye contact.

you shrug against him, "I disagree."

you watch as his tongue passes through his lips, swiping along his bottom lip to wet the already plump and pink skin. in that moment, as matthew stares back at you, you think he may lean in for a kiss and you feel your heart hammer with joy.

instead, you see matthew's other hand jolt up, gripping a bouquet of flowers and waving them ever so gently in your peripheral vision. you look over to the blooming display, brows raised.

"got these for you," he muses.

you smile, "why are you getting me things! you're the one who deserves the good things."

his eyes flicker with something you can't quite understand, and his adam's apple bobs as he swallows. "i've got my good thing right here with me." his words have you freezing ever so slightly, but you don't have time to think of any underlying meaning, because matthew continues, "it's a thank you for coming to pick me up."

you take the flowers, sniffing one of the deep pink tulips, your senses filled with the sweet floral smell you loved so much. "well, then, you're welcome." you tease, dropping the bouquet down from your nose. "that reminds me," you smile, your free hand digging around your jeans back pocket until you locate a chocolate bar. the kitkat is a little mushy from the heat of your body, and the wrapper is a bit crinkled, but you jut it in matthew's direction anyway. "your favourite!"

matthew smiles, taking the chocolate from your hand and inspecting the wrapper. then, he glances back at you with a teasing look. "you know, athletes aren't supposed to eat stuff like this."

"so you don't want it?" you question, a raise to one of your perfectly styled brows.

"oh no, i'm eating it." matthew laughs gently, immediately ripping the red wrapper off the chocolate and taking a messy bite. chocolate smears on his top lip and you laugh.

"you got a little something right there," you whisper gently, finger ghosting over his cupids bow as you gesture to the smeared sweet goodness.

his hand is now wrapped around your waist, holding you to him. matthews brows raise ever so slightly, a grin slowly appearing on his mouth. "yeah?" you nod. "you gunna get it for me?"

you want to kiss him so bad...does he want you to kiss him?

but instead you scrunch your nose playfully, wiping your thumb over his mouth until any traces of smeared chocolate are gone. you don't see the way matthew's eyes change slightly, watching as you use your hands to get rid of the mess.

"ready to go, matty?"

he nods softly, "let's go."

the ride back home is filled with laughter and smiles. matthew is so happy to talk about his experience playing in the nhl - even though you've talked about it before. seeing him speak about the opportunity face to face was something you'd never forget.

you tell him about how emma from your shared history class bombed her final presentation, and that had matthew laughing as you explained the whole thing animatedly. you talk about plans for the summer and finally seeing your friends from highschool after a year away in minnesota.

a kelsea ballerini song slowly fades as you pull up against the curb of matthew's childhood home. a home that you spent your entire highschool life in - studying and laughing and watching movies and just enjoying each others presence. the thought of all those memories have you grinning as you park the car - unlocking the doors once you've stopped.

matthew unbuckles his seat belt. he doesn't hear you move, or the click of your seat belt buckle and looks over at you, a small v shape forming between his drawn brows. "are you not coming in?"

"I don't want to interrupt, matty. they haven't seen you in a little bit."

he shakes his head, "my mom already asked for you to join - and I told her you'd come in, so..."

you sigh and he watches you give him a knowing look - one that isn't buying his bullshit: he knows it all too well. matthew sends a sheepish smile your way and briefly shrugs his shoulders. "at least help me with my bags. what kind of friend would you be if you didn't help me with them," he teases.

the kind of friend you kiss and hold and fuck, you think.

regardless, you unbuckle your seatbelt with a faux annoyed look. matthew's smile grows into one of successes, and you purposefully avoid his now cheeky expression. "yeah, yeah, let's go."

matthew lied about his mom inviting you over - which you knew he did (because you can read your best friend like a book), but she was excited to see you regardless. as soon as his mom jumped in suprise and expressed her joy at your presence- you sent matthew a deathly glare for his lie. he could only smirk playfully in response to your obvious annoyed reaction.

in her typical fashion, matthew's mom coddled both of you and fed you dinner just like she used to do when the two of you were still kids in highschool.

unlike you, matthew's parents made it to a couple of his nhl games. even though they've seen him since he left for minnesota, they haven't talked about school since christmas - when they were down in toronto, the topic of conversation was obviously matthew's nhl debut.

so you weren't suprised when his mom, between chews of her cheesy pasta, started peppering her son with all sorts of questions.

"did you make friends with anyone new since we last talked?"

"how was your roommate and the dishes situation?"

"did you ever figure out your biology assignment? or was it chemistry?"

"any girlfriends while you were in toronto?"

"mum," matthew laughs awkwardly, his fork hitting the plate with a clinck, "your foods going to get cold if you keep asking all these questions."

his brother snickers into his pepsi filled glass. you and him share a brief look once their mum kicks matthew under the table because of his remark - regardless, she was laughing along with the table. "you're right, i'm sorry - just curious."

matthew doesn't answer the last question, which has you feeling nervous. you watch as he drags his bread through a section of sauce, soaking the garlic flavoured dough. he meets your curious eyes - deep in thought - as he takes a bite. you smile politely in his direction, eyes darting away. if he sees your worried expression, he doesn't say anything, looking away once you do.

you shove some pasta in your mouth and try not to overthink - which was always impossible when it came to your brain and matthew.

"what about you, y/n?" his dad asks from the head of the table, dropping his piece of garlic toast on the side of his ceramic plate. "any boyfriend?"

you choke slightly on a spaghetti noodle, taking a few gulps of water to calm your coughing and burning face. "sorry. no," you hum once you've collected yourself, "nothing like that."

in your peripheral vision, you see matthew turn to look at you again. you glance at him quickly, and he gives you a knowing look, shoving a large bite of food into his mouth in an attempt to cover his smirk.

you dart your gaze away quickly - your face burning for an entirely different reason.

"really?!" his mum muses, oblivious to the glances exchanged between you and her son, "I gotta say you two, all these years away at school and neither of you in relationships - I'd say you spend too much time together."

you blush, clearing your throat. your eyes meet your plate of food as you begin to slide your fork through the last bites of sauce and meat.

"that's definitely it," matthew hums, not meeting your eyes in favour of finishing off his plate. underneath the table, his knee bumps yours once, and you're not sure if he meant to do it, but you fight a smile regardless - gently bumping his back.

only an hour after finishing dinner and cleaning up the mess of pots and plates - matthew was begging you to come to the beach with him for sunset before heading back home. you let him him beg and convince you, even though you were set on going as soon as the words left his mouth.

the sand is warm on your feet as you dig them into the granules - sand dusting up to your ankles and coating your braided anklet. the sunset is reflecting on your face, providing a warm glow not only on you, but on the entire beach. you close your eyes and take a long inhale, basking in the feeling.

matthew drops down beside you, his added weight pulling on the blanket you'd set down. he leans back on to his hands and stretches his legs out - his feet sliding through the sand and sending tiny particles onto the blanket.

you huff, immediately trying to dust it all off. it makes your best friend laugh quietly beside you.

"I missed you," matthew whispers a few minutes after you cleared the blanket. "so much."

you look over at him, meeting his blue gaze. he looks so beautiful with the hues of orange and fuscha reflecting around him. clean shaven, and t-shirt stretching around his muscles ever so nicely. "i missed you," you say back.

matthew's forearm brushes against yours and his palm is so close to yours in the sand that if you just reached out, you'd be able to wrap your pinky over his. you're unsure if he means to brush your limbs together, and you think about pulling away, but then his muscles flex against you, and you feel him press his arm against yours firmly - conforming he wants you there.

that action has you thinking back a few hours ago at the dinner table - matthew's knee touching yours under the table privately. but thinking about that part of the dinner, also has you thinking about how matthew never gave an answer about having a girlfriend while he was away.

even thinking about that has your stomach dropping like you'd just dropped on a roller coaster. before you can stop yourself, you get his attention gently, "matty?"

he hums, his eyes trained on the setting sun across the water.

"is there a girl in toronto?"

you're pretty sure his arm goes rigid on yours. you've dropped on the roller coaster again, feeling your organs fall all the way to your feet. matthew sighs gently, "y/n.."

when you and matthew started casually hooking up, you both decided to not only stay best friends, but you also chose to not be exclusive. the point of loosing your virginities to one another was to get over that awkward milestone with a future partner. therefore, once you were both free of that title, you could go out into the dating scene and feel free - and have sex with whoever.

so of course there was a chance matthew was hooking up with somebody in toronto - you'd be happy if he did, truly. as his best friend, you want him to be happy. as his unrequited lover, you couldn't bare the thought. because although matthew may be not be exclusive, you have always been (unbeknownst to him).

without wanting to sound bothered or upset, you laugh breathlessly. "it doesn't matter if you do, matty. we're friends, right? no secrets ever." - a promise you and him had always cherished was never ever having secrets - excluding your painfully excruciating crush on him (obviously).

"no, I know," matthew nods with an expression you can't quite decipher. it's something between soft and maybe guilty - possibly innocent or nothing even close. he sighs again, "there's no girl...and no secrets."

you suck your bottom lip into your mouth, suppressing the grin as it slowly made its way onto your face.

"well," matthew says lightheartedly. he pushes off his hands, dusting the sand off his palms once he sits up. his back muscles have you too distracted to notice all the sand covering your blanket. once positioned, matthew looks back at you over his shoulder, "there is one girl."

if it wasn't for his playful tone and the smirk he was sending in your direction, you'd think he was being serious. you push off your hands as well and wrap them around his bulged bicep. "oh yeah? who's that?" you ask gently, leaning into his warm body.

"you," he whispers, hooked nose brushing against yours delicately - if you didn't know this was the way you and matthew acted, you'd be tricked into thinking he had feelings for you.

you scrunch your nose against his, pulling back just enough to meet his eyes. "you just want to get laid."

matthew's lips look like they may turn into a downwards pull, and you already feel the panick bubbling at your chest - what had you said wrong?

but he clears his throat, mouth turning into a soft smirk. "maybe..."

you force another laugh, "good," you lie, "me too."

and in your and matthew's lonesome on the sandy beach, he slowly leans back into your space, finally pressing a kiss against your lips.

your grip on his arm tightens when his tongue slips between your parted lips, allowing him access to deepn the kiss - tongues massaging one another as they skillfully move.

when matthew pulls away a few minutes later, he's breathing heavily, an all too familiar haze in his eyes and smile on his swollen pink lips.  "let's get in your car."

you nod, "m'kay."

the last bit of the evening sun is falling on you both and illuminating the water. matthew's helps you up, grabbing the blanket and making sure to dust all the sand off before throwing it in your backseat.

when he pulls you against his chest in the privacy of your car and continues your hot kiss, you think you just so happen to be falling deeper in love with your best friend.

Part Two:

the alchemy was the towns best hangout spot. not only was there a bar and dance floor, but they had amazing food and an even better atmosphere. at the end of every week, they'd often have local bands come in to play their set - friday was always the night to go.

this friday was no exception. there was a lineup outside the building, and every few minutes it would get shorter as the bouncers checked ID's and sent people in. you, as well as some other friends in your group, weren't of age yet, so you were already preparing for the purple X they'd draw on your hand to stain your skin and indicate your age.

your good friend janie is fixing her lip gloss in her small compact mirror as she faces you. janie was somebody who valued her appearance very much - but she was so beautiful, she barley had to do anything to maintain it. you watch as her boyfriend, daniel, talks her ear off about something he had seen at the mall earlier, face animated as he flails his hands.

the line moves again and behind you, matthew pushes you along gently - presses into your backside with his hips as you inch forward. he's not even looking at you when he does it, too busy conversing with another friend of yours, logan.

matthew's hand is warm on your exposed hip, his thumb gently resting against the waist band of your jean shorts - slowly stroking the edge, thumb occasionally dipping under the material. you sigh pleasantly, head falling back to rest against his peck.

a moment later, matthew looks down at you, a smile making its way onto his face. you notice logan has turned his attention to another person in your small group of friends - leaving all your friends distracted.

you loved and appreciated your small group of friends from high school, and always cherished your time together as well as your closeness. but there is one thing you and matthew never disclosed: your complicated relationship. at the beginning, you weren't sure there was a term for you and matthew's situation, but now you know it's friends with benefits. you'd never even admitted that to yourself, never mind telling all your friends. in fantasy land, matthew was your boyfriend and he loved you back - he pulls you in for kisses in front of his family and your friends, and he tells his family he has a girl: you.

"what's going on with you?" matthew's whispered words have you pulled from your own thoughts, his hips still against you - shuffling you further up line. "you look deep in thought - that's never good." he teases.

you scoff, smacking his chest with the back of your hand playfully. your actions have matthew laughing deeply, chest rumbling against your shoulders - which makes you smile. "not much," you hum.

discreetly, you check and make sure nobody is in earshot and eavesdropping on you and your best friend - you notice they're distracted. you lean your head up so you can be closer to his ear and whisper, "just that you look kinda hot in that hat."

matthew is wearing a western style cowboy hat atop his head, paired with jeans and a white tshirt. it's rodeo theme at the alchemy tonight, and matthew isn't the only one dressed for the occasion. your friend group and everyone else in line are dressed in their best western style. hats and boots are everywhere in sight, along with cow prints and pleather tassels.

"goes it make me look like a cowboy?" he questions with a suggestive raise to his eyebrows - a smirk tugging at his mouth.

you giggle slightly and nod once with conformation. "yes."

"good," he hums, "you gunna ride me?" his eyes dart down to your shirt, which so happens to say 'save a horse and ride a cowboy.' you bought it specifically for the occasion, obviously - paired with your favourite denim shorts and cowgirl boots. definitely not the most creative or unique outfit - but still on theme.

you blush, "depends...you gunna let me try that on?" with your question, you spin around to face matthew, reaching up to try and grab his hat from his head. matthew grabs your hand before you can reach the brim, halting your movement.

you pout, "matty..."

matthew huffs likes he's annoyed, but the very edges of his plump lips begin to tug upwards. without another word, he grabs the hat from the top, plopping it down on your head so that it covers your eyes, your straight hair falling over your face.

you laugh, pulling the hat off so you can attempt to adjust your hair back into place. matthew beats you to it, his warm hands pushing away all the strands from your vision with a fond gleam in his eyes. he doesn't pull away once he's done moving your hair and his hands slide down to hold the side of your face for a moment longer.

you wish that he'd kiss you then. but he doesn't, and you feel your face wanting to drop with disappointment.

trying to hide the sadness you feel, you put matthew's cowboy hat back on your head; properly this time so that no hair gets in the way.

your group makes it to the entrance of the alchemy, and country music is flowing through the open doors. the two bouncers check over all your id's and mark the appropriate people who are underage - matthew and you included.

once you enter, you immediately notice how the crowd was bustling - loud laughter, music and the tangy smell of beer throughout.

"yo, let's get that table!" daniel shouts over the noise of the crowd, pointing in the direction of an area near the back of the alchemy that seemed unoccupied.

while you walk through the busy place, matthew grabs ahold of your hand softly, guiding you behind him as you all make your way to the table. the feeling of his hand on yours in such a public setting feels overwhelming in the best way, and there's a part of you that hopes any girl who'd seen him walk in - now thinks he's in a relationship and any advances they'd thought of making are halted.

you and your friends order a round of drinks as soon as you sit down, and you send your friend april, as well as logan, up to the bar to collect everyone's desired beverages.

although you couldn't order the drinks, that didn't mean you couldn't sneak some. one or two vodka sodas combined with the shots you pregamed would have you feeling drunk in no time.

and that was true, because an hour later, you and janie were both very buzzed in the middle of the crowded dance floor - dancing to some megan moroney cover song.

"so," janie starts with a suggestive smirk, "you and matthew looked pretty cozy earlier."

"what?" you squeak, "no, we're just -I don't know janie, you know how we are."

she eyes you suspiciously, "you two have so much sexual tension recently. you guys should like...fuck or something."

your eyes widen and you blush, slightly choking on your own attempt to cough. "absolutely not," you squeak, "I mean - that would just...ruin things."

she laughs slightly and shrugs her exposed tan shoulders in your direction, "just a suggestion. I mean, he probably wants to do it anyways."

you knaw on your lip, forehead lines deepening as you take in your friends words. "why do you think that?" a momentary swirl of panic overtakes you, and you're worried yourself and matthew were being too obvious.

"y/n," she laughs, her hips swaying to the country tune lightly, "guys don't act like that for no reason! I mean, the way he looks at you..."

you swallow quickly. briefly, your eyes meet your shoes and you resist the urge to sigh sadly. "we're just best friends, jaine, believe me."

you wish you were more, your drunk brain reminds you.

you look away from the floor to find janie, but she's isn't looking at you, but rather her eyes are trained over your shoulder. then, she smirks slightly at you, "looks like he's coming over here."

just like a 6th grade girl with a crush, you freeze. blushing all the way down to your chest and eyes widening. trying to remain nonchalant, you shrug and take a sip of your drink.

"i'm gunna go." your brunette friend says, "before you two get all...sensual." janie sends you one last teasing look over her shoulder as she walks away - leaving you waiting anxiously for matthew's touch.

a moment later, you feel matthew press against you, wrapping his arms around your shoulders in a brief hug - merely missing your drink as he does so. immediately with his touch, all earlier anxious and physical jitters vanish and you relax into matthew's familiar grip.

"missed you over there," he mutters into your ear. "our table was boring without you." matthew's nose nudges against the shell of your ear and then he leans farther down your body - pressing a hot kiss right between the skin of your shoulder and the base of your neck.

you swoon. his touch combined with the warm breath tickling against your skin, as well as the feeling of his lips pressing against you, causes something similar to a moan to leave your lips quietly.

the alcohol in your system has completely stolen your filter, and you can only pray that your friends can't see the way matthew had just approached you - or how you reacted to his touch.

at your breathy exhale, matthew spins your body around so that you are standing pressed chest to chest. he smirks when he catches sight of your happy flushed face and drunken hazy eyes. "you look so hot dancing." he says lowly.

you reach up and delicately brush a fallen eyelash off his cheek. "is that so?" you question, purposely pressing your boobs harder into his chest.

"definitely so," he agrees.

behind you, the band starts a new song, something with less tempo that your buzzed brain doesn't recognize immediately.

it looks like matthew does recognize the tune though, and he sends you a smirk. "dance with me?" he questions cheekily, reaching down to grab his cowboy hat you were still wearing, placing it back on his own head.

you don't care enough to protest, partially because he looks too good in it for you to complain. you raise your cup in his direction, "i've got this still."

just as you finish your scentence, matthew grabs your drink, raising it to his mouth and chugging the last of its contents. you gawk, watching as he wipes his mouth and places your now empty cup on a nearby table.

one of matthew's hands grab ahold of your waist, while the other takes your hand in his own - interlocking your fingers together. "now you can dance," he teases, swaying you both to the song.

"I hate you," you huff. your words have no real bite as you begin to smile.

"you can't hate me," matthew says matter of factly, "i'm your best friend."

you frown ever so slightly, jutting your chin up, "just your best friend?" you're buzz has you clearly teetering on drunk, and matthew can tell - not only from your question but your blissed expression.

he chooses not to answer your question but you don't seem to mind, too busy swaying to the song you loved so much.

"stand by me," you sing to him, "ooooh stand by me."

matthew laughs fondly, and you beam up at him. "you're a natural," he states teasingly.

"you sing the next part with me," you insist.

"it's not a duet."

"it is now," you state, "c'mon - just as long you stand, stand by me."

matthew joins in, "and darling, darling stand by me!" his tone is pitchy and he's singing loud enough to earn interested stares from the people in your vicinity.

it has you faltering, laughing into his warm chest. matthew stops singing as well, watching amused as you lean into him with nothing but happiness on your face. he releases your hand in favour to wrap that hand around your shoulders, keeping you pressed against him.

you wake with a deep groan, squinting at the harsh light on your face that was streaming through open curtains. with another groan, you pull the blanket up and over your face to hide yourself from your own hangover.

the smell of matthew's cologne and laundry detergent has you pausing, cracking open one eye to see the familiar navy sheets on matthew's childhood bed.

you toss the blanket away from your face, and turn to see him watching you gently from the other side of the bed - an ever knowing grin on his face at your hungover morning behaviour.

"shut up," you grumble, pushing up from your flat position to mimic him, sitting with your back flat against the headboard.

"didn't say anything," matthew muses.

"but you thought it," you huff. his laughter is enough for you to know your accusation was true, and you squint annoyed at him.

"I brought you this," he hands you a bottle of water and two aspirins, which you take immediately, sighing in relief at the water falling down your dry throat.

slowly, the night before comes back to you. memories of cowgirl boots, your friends downing drinks and dancing all night flooding your brain. your groan once more, covering your face briefly when a wave of nausea comes over you. "ugh, I never want to here stand by me again."

matthew laughs loudly, body rolling over until he's pressed into your side.

you laugh gently with him, dropping your hands from your face so you can see. "seriously!"

"anytime I hear that song now i'm going to think of you," matthew insists. subconsciously, one of matthew's fingers trial over your forearm, gently tickling your skin as he looks up at you from his now slouched position.

although the thought of the song is currently making you feel sick, matthew's words have you feeling fuzzy - there was worse songs that could remind him of you, and stand by me was a really sweet one to he associated with.

because you don't say anything, matthew starts to sing, "stand by me, ohhhh!"

you shush him with a laugh, placing your hand over his mouth.

Part Three (A):

"5...4...3...2...1....and you're done," daniel cheers as you all watch jaine drop back down to her feet from her previous hand stand.

she smiles victorious, giving a bow in your direction. she stumbles slightly, the combination between her various drinks and uneven grassy ground throwing her off balance. she is still just as happy for completing her dare despite her shaky balance, skipping back towards the bonfire you all sat around and taking her seat between you and her boyfriend.

"I did the 20 second hand stand - those 3 years of gymnastics really payed off," she chimes, "take a sip, logan."

logan, the one who gave her the dare, tongues his cheek before he takes a large gulp of his seltzer. it goes down easily, and you watch his face in the glow from the bonfire - some of the liquid falling from the corner of his mouth, dripping until he wipes it away. "alright, janie, we don't have all day."

she doesn't answer to his teasing, eyes searching your small group of friends to find the next recipient of her question. "april," she starts, "truth or dare?"

april, another one of your highschool friends, laughs lightly, uncrossing her tan legs as she ponders. "truth," she settles on.

"when was the last time you had a dirty dream?" janie giggles like she already had the question locked and loaded in her brain - either that or she knows something about april that the rest of you don't. the thought has you giggling into your chest.

the guys in your group all tease her, a low chorus of 'ouuuu' echoing in logan's backyard.

she blushes at the question. "god, I can't answer that! I don't even think i've ever had one!" april squawks, covering her burning cheeks with her hands.

"you gotta finish your drink if you don't answer," dylan, another member of your circle of friends reminders her.

without another word, april chugs her entire can, finishing off the fruity drink in mere seconds. you all cheer her on as she finishes, trying to collect her breathing.

classic party games have always been a staple when your friends all got together. whether it was back when you were all still in highschool - akward and acne prone, or times like right now - when you were all home for the summer - you all played them. truth or dare was a common one, offering the best combination of fun activity and talking. plus, it was easy to incorporate a few drinks - which always spiced things up.

"y/n," april's sweet voice calls your attention, "truth or dare?" she asks, a mischievous grin beginning to tug at her lined lips.

on instinct, you want to say truth. truth is usually easier and sometimes less embarrassing than the dares that go around this group; you think back to highschool when logan had to streak through the neighborhood or when janie had to post an akward singing video for her followers to see. but with truths, secrets can go hand in hand - and you had a big secret - one that you aren't sure you can hide too much longer.

across from you, matthew meets your gaze. he's watching you with a teasing glimmer in his eyes, mouth hid behind his canned drink as he takes a nonchalant sip.

"dare," you decide, eyes darting back to april.

her smile widens, and if she wasn't so pretty you'd think she looked rather evil. you wouldn't be suprised if her hands came together wickedly and she begins to cackle. "I dare you...." april pauses dramatically, grin growing "...to kiss logan."

oh my god.

"what?" you ask, brows raised in a mixture of suprise and shock.

"c'mon!" daniel cheers, reaching over his girlfriend's body to push against your shoulder playfully.

"pucker up those lips," dylan teases.

you laugh awkwardly, tucking some of your hair away.

daniel interrupts, "-and no drinking out of dares!"

you'd honestly forgotten about that rule - one that you had made up a few years back when too many people were opting out of dares and the game had just become a chug fest.

you meet matthew's eyes again, expect this time he is looking at you with a weary expression. fair enough, you think, because why would he want his fuck buddy to make out with his friend right in front of him.

"if she really doesn't want to we shouldn't make her," he says firmly.

you heart flutters in your chest at the thought of matthew possibly feeling jealous, but then you remember what you and him are, and you deflate once more. he wasn't jealous, more likely feeling uncomfortable.

"rules are rules," janie sing songs, bumping into your side teasingly.

you don't want to draw to much attention or conger any questions from matthew's words being tied to your hesitation, so you stand up, walking confidently to the blonde boy across from you.

logan laughs, letting you invade his space.

"hands to yourself," you tell him, trying your best to sound playful and not worried or nervous.

"same goes for you," he quips back.

you ignore him, gently grabbing onto his shoulder as you lean down to meet his seated height, pressing your lips onto his. they slot together, and he gently sucks along your bottom lip.

logan's kiss is nowhere near as nice as any of the ones matthew has given you. his lips weren't as soft as matthew's, or as gentle. logan's only held notes of lust and eagerness - matthew's always took their time and moved skillfully.

then, logan grabs your face between both your hands, stopping your kiss so he can lick up the side of your cheek sloppily.

your friends laugh, and you push away with a smile, wiping away any silva with the back of your hand. "you're foul," you breath with quick laugh.

"gotta keep it interesting," logan teases, shifting in his seat so he can reach for another can of beer.

"I have to go clean my face," you say loudly, "i'll be in the bathroom." you make your way to the patio door, entering the quiet house, your friends laughter and continuation of the game slowly quieting as you slide the door closed behind you.

you flick on the bright bathroom light before shutting the door, leaving you alone in the small powder room near the front of the home. you quickly clean your face with a baby wipe, then washing off any residue with some soap and water.

thankfully in the summer months, you didn't wear much makeup, meaning you weren't really altering your appearance but rubbing suds into your face and rinsing with water.

you turn to leave, but out of something that feels like guilt, you walk back to the sink and scrub at your lips, essentially wiping off the traces of the kiss with your longtime friend.

for matthew, your brain reminds you with a tease.

you shake your head and blink away the thought, turning back to the door and pulling it open.

matthew stands there, hand reached out like he was about to open the bathroom door just before you. you meet his eyes gently, and he looks down at you with a darkened gaze, slightly breathless as he stand in front of you.

then, he backs you both into the powder room, shutting the door again so you're both standing in the small space. matthew strides towards you, grabbing onto your face and tilting your head back into the perfect position for him to press his lips against as yours.

you moan immediately, hands grabbing onto his waist over his shirt. you both smell like bonfire mixed with your respective alcoholic beverages, but it isn't off putting: only familiar - comfortable.

matthew nips at your bottom lip, and you gasp gently, which gives him the perfect opportunity to slide his tongue against yours. the feeling has you panting into his mouth, fingers gripping his shirt tighter.

he pulls back only briefly, "how long before they come looking?" his lips brush against yours as he asks, and you can barley focus on his question at the feeling.

"couple more minutes," you pant.

he doesn't say anything else in favour of pushing his mouth back into yours. it's sloppy, like he's racing against time -desperately trying to get as much of you as humanly possible.

matthew turns your body until you're pushed against the bathroom sink. the ceramic digs into your lower back, but you don't care enough to change that. you're too focused on the way matthew pushes his thick thigh between your legs, simultaneously moving your thighs apart as well as providing his leg as another form of stimulation.

he grunts against your lips as you rock against him, and one of his hands leaves you face and drops towards your lower back - slipping between you and the hard sink. he pulls you closer by your back, dragging your core farther up his thigh.

"we need to stop," matthew breaths, "because soon i'll have no choice but to fuck you on our friends sink."

you gulp, "is that so bad?"

"no," he licks his lip, "but they'll definitely catch us."

with that, you agree, and you both untangle yourselves from one another. you turn away to adjust your frazzled hair in the small mirror above the bathroom counter. unfortunately, you can't do much about your glossy eyes and flushed face, but both can be disguised as you just drinking too much.

you feel matthew press himself behind you, his bulge resting against your ass and you look away from your appearance to meet his eyes through the mirror. he's looking at you with an odd look, so you raise one of your brows in question. "you okay?"

he blinks three times, taking a deep breath. "yeah, just...lost in my thoughts for a moment there."

you frown, worries of only minutes ago of you kissing logan filling your head - he's come in here to claim his territory and assert dominance because you'd kissed logan. "are you mad at me?" you question gently, eyes still trained on his through the mirror.

matthew's brows pull together, and he grabs onto your hips, spinning you around to face him once more. "why would I be mad at you?"

you shrug sheepishly, and you hold onto your own arms apprehensively. "maybe because I kissed logan? right in front you. and I know that we are just fucking or whatever...but, you're mad because you feel, I don't know, disrespected."

immediately after you finish, matthew shakes his head. he pushes away any baby hairs around your face, keeping his hand resting on the side of your head. "absolutely not." you see something flash in his eyes before he continues, "i think i'm just jealous - actually I know that i'm jealous."

"jealous?" you whisper.

he nods again, "jealous because logan got to kiss you before I did tonight."

"oh," you fight back a smirk, and you drop you arms in favour of wrapping them around matthew's torso - he lets you pull him closer wordlessly. "if it's any constellation, out of the two kisses i've had tonight, yours is the only one I enjoyed."

he smirks, "I bet the licking had something to do with that."

you laugh, "something."

he pretends to ponder, "maybe I should up my tongue game some more."

you giggle loudly, and the sound has matthew breaking character to smile fondly down at you. then he interrupts your giggle with one more kiss.

in that moment, it feels like a relationship rather than just friendship with perks. the way matthew holds onto you, and smiles down at you - the way you smile back. merely moments ago you were ready to have sex in somebody else's house, purely because you couldn't help yourself - too in love and drunk to not. that intense, hot moment now turned soft and sweet, while matthew say's things that he knows will make you laugh. in that moment, you let yourself pretend.

you let yourself pretend matthew wasn't only jealous because his friend got the kiss question before him - he was jealous because the girl he loved had to kiss someone else.

how you long for that to be true.

nobody is suspicious when you and matthew make your way back outside and take your respective seats. nobody questions either of you - too busy watching daniel give dylan a lap dance.

over the flames of the fire, matthew catches your gaze. he tongues his cheek to try and hide the smirk he couldn't help.

Part Three (B): junior year of highschool

you often worried when it came to your best friend. not necessarily about him physically, but rather about what what he thinks and knows. not to say you didn't care about what physically happened to him, but the thought of him finding out your deepest hidden feelings for him was more worrying than a bruise or a headache - or so you thought.

when matthew texted you late at night that something had happened to him, you didn't hesitate to hop in your car and make the drive over to his families home.

you knew the code to his front door and let yourself in quietly - mindful of 11 p.m. approaching.

you toed off your slippers on the christmas themed door mat before making your way further into the gingerbread scented home. the sound of friends and the glow of the tv alerted you to somebody up in the family room, and you slowed in your steps as you approached.

phil, matthew's brother, looks in your direction. he doesn't seem suprised by your presence, so you think matthew must've mentioned that you'd be coming over. phil nods once over his shoulder before turning his attention back to the show. "he's upstairs."

"thanks," you say gently, making your way up the carpeted stairs to the second floor, and all the way to matthew's bedroom door.

you don't bother knocking, because you and him never did, and push open his wooden door. the room is only illuminated by his bedside lamp, casting a warm glow on his cream coloured walls and mousey brown furniture.

you catch matthew's eyes and a frown tugs at your lips. he looks tired, presumably from his hockey game earlier in the evening.

"hey," he says quietly. he pushes up from his slouched position and gets off his bed, making his way over to you.

you walk into the room and shut the door softly behind you. "hey," you say, "what's wrong?"

you catch a glimpse of matthew's frown and teary eyes before he wraps his arms around you - pulling your body into his chest for a tight embrace. instantly, you reciprocate the hug, your smaller arms wrapping around his upper back, rubbing soothingly along the ripples of muscles under his skin.

he takes a shaky deep inhale against you, and the feeling has your frown deepening. seeing your best friend so upset was gut wrenching enough, never mind when you also have an embarrassingly large crush on him. "please, talk to me, matty. what's going on?"

he takes one more big breath before he releases you. "i've had a shitty day. school dragged on and then mr. johnson failed me on that assignment from last week. then, during my game I took a weird hit and totally fucked my shoulder! not only that but after the hit I made a shit play and got benched. i'm just...tired." he finishes, his shoulders deflating.

you listen with a slight pout, your eyes intensely dancing over his flushed cheeks and deep coloured bags sitting below his eyes. "i'm sorry about your shitty day." you say.

"not your fault," matthew shrugs.

"what do you want me to do for you?" you ask gently. you think about reaching out again, maybe to run your hand over his arm reassuringly - or caress his face as you tried to ease him into a less overwhelmed state, but you decide against it.

"I just want you to be with me," he admits quietly, "can we just watch a movie or something?"

you nod instantly. you do touch him this time, but he is the one who initiates the contact - grabbing on to your hand gently to guide you over to his unmade bed. you're thankful it's not too light in his bedroom, because you blush at the feeling of his hand in yours.

matthew pulls back the already flailed blanket, allowing you to climb into the mess of bedding and get comfortable before he makes his entrance.

he sits back against his headboard as he scrolls through options on netflix. wordlessly, he chooses 13 going on 30, which you think is a bit odd - but you've always loved the jennifer garner rom-com, so you weren't complaining.

the start of the film begins to play quietly and matthew sinks down into the pillows. he rolls towards you and pushes himself into the side of your torso.

you instantly feel hot. you thank your past self for choosing sleep shorts to go with your long sleeve top, because you would've died from overheating if you choose sweatpants. he throws his arm across your belly, hand reaching up to rest against your rib cage - you hope he can't feel your heart beating too hard. matthew pushes his knee under your leg, effectively sliding between you and the mattress - your leg now resting on top his.

you stay still, too worried that if you move or speak you'll wake up from a dream - a dream in which that this was a normal activity for somebody and their best friend to do. it's not that you and matthew were never touchy, as he would often find your hand in large crowds so he didn't loose you, or hug you in greetings and partings - but very rarely did you cuddle.

"can you tickle my arm?" he mumbles into your shirt, "your nails feel nice."

his request has your spiraling thoughts coming to a halt. his gentle tone and sweet question immediately has you smiling, your body relaxing  into his - "of course," you mumble, raising your hand until your nails can run gently over his arm.

matthew sighs happily, tiny goosebumps prickling on his skin. you smile bigger at the sight just as matthew tucks his head further up your body, the top resting against your collarbone. you let your head fall against his, your eyes trained on the movie.

it's obvious why matthew picked one of your preferred movies as you feel his breathing slow down - looking to see his eyes closed shut and his lips parted to release soft breaths.

matthew just needed his best friend.

although you wish you were his girlfriend coming to his aid - you're just happy matthew feels close enough to you in the relationship you do have.

in his sleep, matthew moans briefly, adjusting his hand so it scoops under your back to cradle you against his body. between his peaceful expression and the warmth of his body laying on yours - you know in that moment it isn't just a crush on you're best friend: you're falling in love with him.

Part Four (A): july 4th weekend

"I hate this," you huff, standing up straight and tossing your hands on your hips.

janie laughs from somewhere on the campsite at your words, but you don't feel like laughing along. you're sweating because of the sweltering arizona heat and you're frustrated from the task at hand.

your tent is only half up, and putting that side up was a challenge. you hear somebody approach you from behind, and you turn to look over your shoulder to see matthew. he drops one of the cooler's at the picnic bench beside your deflated tent and he laughs gently.

you squint at him, "it's not funny. i'm going to have to sleep outside because my tent won't be built."

he tuts his tongue at you, taking one of the long metal rods sticking out of the pile. "you're so dramatic." immediately, he begins to expertly thread the pole through the tents openings. the heat has you feeling flustered, and watching matthew's long fingers navigate the metal wasn't helping...at all.

you scoff, "you love my dramatics, matty, don't pretend it bothers you now."

he doesn't look away from your tent, but he smiles anyways. "yeah yeah, can you grab me another pole? and start bringing the pins over as well - since you're just standing there."

you scrunch your nose up and drop your hands from your hips. "i'll grab you a pole alright."

your grumble has him laughing as you turn on your heels and walk away, gathering the rest of the parts to bring them closer to your tent - which now is beginning to look more functional.

you place them where matthew is working, dropping down to a squat beside his crouched position. he sends you a playful look out of the corner of his eye, "now you want to work?"

you shrug, threading a different pole through the polyester loops. "what kind of friend would I be if I made you do all the work on my tent?"

logan passes with an armful of firewood. he drops the pile of logs into the designated fire pit, already preparing for the night before noon has even hit.

for this fourth of july weekend, you had all decided you wanted to do some sort of camping trip. old fashioned camping - completed with tents and smores and picnic benches. thankfully, there were a couple high rated camp sites around the scottsdale area that had vacancy, and you all had packed two of your cars full for a weekend vacation.

"kniesy, you dick, you're supposed to be putting up our tent - never mind y/n's," logan teases as he passes again, gently nudging his foot against your strained calf - which makes you sway, loosing some of your balance.

"go like set up the grill or something," you tell the blond after you flip him the bird, "before I decide to kill you and throw your body in the lake."

"gruesome," logan says. he does what you suggested though, and you catch a glimpse of him unloading the portable barbecue before you turn back to the tent.

"okay," matthew says, pushing off his knees and into a standing position. "you stay on this side while I pull on the support strings and start to hammer them in- I just need you to keep it straight."

"aye aye captain," you salute, pushing yourself to stand just as he did moments prior.

he chuckles under his breath, moving around to the first side of the tent he needed to secure into the ground.

you watch him work with a soft gaze. the way he kneels in the dirt to ensure he's got the tent pulled in a way it won't collapse - watch as his tongue darts out as he concentrates on nailing in the pins. you're sure there's a look on your face that would warrant questions if somebody caught you - but you don't care.

"is it straight?" matthew asks, eyes glancing up in your direction. he catches you admiring him and you clear your throat, looking away with a few quick blinks.

"yeah! all good," you tell him. matthew just smirks at you before finishing building your tent.

a while later, while the afternoon sun is still beating down on your bare shoulders, april suggests you all head to the water for a quick swim. obviously you agree, quickly changing into your bathing suit.

you're all almost near the mini beach, saved for daniel who opted to stay back and watch over the campsite, when matthew falls into line with you - his bare arm brushing against yours as you walk side by side. his pinky runs along yours discreetly, his much larger finger almost hooking yours.

the sun reflected off his tan and toned body, the light accenting the ripples of his strong muscles: abs, biceps, triceps and everything in between.

"i'll race you," matthew says, breaking the quiet tension that had built between you as you both reach the sandy beach.

you look up at him to find a challenging grin on his face - a teasing sparkle in his bright eyes.

"matty," you start, "we aren't kids - besides, it's busy! all these people we'd have to avoid...." you trail off, gesturing to the crowded beach. "...it's a shame they will all have to watch you loose."

you take off, dropping your tote bag as you make a mad dash towards the water.

you hear matthew laugh loudly behind you, surely already beginning to run in your direction. you weave between the bodies throughout the sand, muttering apologies as you approach the water.

you laugh as you miraculously make it into the warm water, just beating matthew in your foot race because of your (cheating) head start. you slow as you go deeper into the lake, turning your body back around just to watch matthew splash into the lake, his body slowly disappearing under the surface as he follows your trail.

on the shore you see your friends laughing in their own world, setting out towels and the umbrella and their few trinkets - janie with her book and april with her phone. briefly, you wonder if one of them had grabbed your bag from where you abandoned it.

the water ripples against you skin as matthew reaches you, his smile an instant distraction from your tote that you suddenly couldn't care less about in his presence. "you tricked me." he states, hands running through the water, sending more sploshes up your tummy.

you shrug innocently, "did I? or are you just slow..."

he splashes some water at you, wetting your bikini top and shoulders. matthew laughs loudly as you screech from the sudden cold temperature, trying to turn your back on his attack.

"I let you win," matthew says after he splashes you once more.

you turn to face him slowly, still weary of any more water he may send your way. "is that so?" you ask lightly. there's a mischievous grin on your face that matthew knows too well - and his suspicions are confirmed when you begin to splash water back at him, drenching his face and hair.

you giggle as he wipes his face, the same hand sliding up and pushing his dark hair away from his face. the water making his brown locks look even darker. "I let you win and this is how you repay me?"

you shrug again. you don't want to feel chilled, so you drop your shoulders into the water so that your whole body is under the water's cool surface - saved for your neck and head. "yeah - can't think of a better way to show my gratefulness." you tease him.

matthew follows suit and submerges his upper body in the lake. he moves impossibly closer to your body - the water providing a privacy in the public setting. with that in mind, he reaches for you, grabbing your leg to gently drag you through the last bit of water left between your bodies.

you gulp nervously as your leg rest's on him. he doesn't let you go, holding your thigh against his hip while your other leg slips between his own two. you can't find the strength to look away from his gaze - not even concerned if you're friends are eyeing you two suspiciously.

"I can think of a way you can show your gratefulness." matthew whispers, hand moving up your thigh in the water until he reaches your bikini bottoms, fingers moving along your ass cheek and slightly slipping beneath the edge of your bathing suit.

"matty..." you breath. his chest heaves with air as he stares down at you - your cheeks slightly sunburnt to give you a permanent sun kissed glow. your lips plump and pink, dark eyelashes wet and making your eyes look even bigger as you blink prettily up at him.

you hear janie and logan laugh as they get into the water, only a few meters away from your and matthew's intertwined bodies. it has you coming to reality, pushing away from matthew to create an appropriate amount of space between you all while trying to appear nonchalant.

logan was too busy trying to sneak attack you to dunk your head under to notice the tension between you and matthew - janie distracted by logan. your and matthew's touching flying under the radar once again.

after a little more swimming and trying to cool your body down from your sensual encounter with matthew - you all decide to lay in the sun for a little bit longer before heading back to the campsite: saving daniel from his lonesome.

daniel has just got the fire started when you all get back from the beach: the warmth of the flames sooth your chilled damp skin. regardless of the warmth, you slip into your tent to grab a hoodie to further keep you from feeling cold.

logan and matthew had just started the grill when you emerge back outside. logan was preparing the frozen patties for cooking, while matthew was cleaning the grill's top with the metal bristled brush - his biceps flexing with each movement on the bars.

"hey, y/n, wanna help me with the salad?" janie asks from the picnic table. her voice has you quickly looking away from your friends arms and over to her - janie eyeing you playfully as she chops through some cherry tomatoes.

"yeah," you hum, taking a seat across from her. you can feel her still giving you that teasing look, so you busy yourself with slicing through the sticks of celery - cubing them because you know matthew prefers them that way - to avoid her gaze.

a moment later, you hear the brunette sigh, tossing her tomatos and shredded leaves into the red serving bowl. "so," she begins, "what were you and matthew talking about."

you eye her, but she has moved her attention to crumbling feta.

janie continues, "in the laker earlier. it seemed..." she pauses, squinting in thought as she tried to think of her wording - "intense." she settles on, feta clinging to her fingers.

you hum nonchalantly, scooping the cubed celery into your palms and dropping it into the salad. "did it?"

she nods suspiciously, "yeah, and i've been thinking about how the past few years something between you two has seemed rather intense - since college. what's up with that?"

she is talking relatively quiet, but you still glance over your shoulder to make sure nobody is listening - the three boys are laughing around the grill, completely oblivious.

when you meet your friends eyes again, she quirks an eyebrow in your direction knowingly. janie is looking at you like she knows you're deepest darkest secret - not just about the casual hookups between you, but also your feelings for matthew.

you should've known janie would figure it out sooner or later. when you moved to arizona and started at the new highschool, not only had you become close with matthew, but you had become just as close with janie. you were instantly drawn to her bubbly personality and confidence - she was your best girl friend. if you weren't with matthew - you were with the small brunette girl.

as she looks at you, she's not even working on cutting up vegetables for the salad - her full attention is on you.

you don't feel like hiding anymore. "janie," you sigh sadly, hands dropping the knife so you can cover your cheeks, "I have to tell you something."

she huffs happily, leaning further over the picnic table. "spill."

then, quietly and with a much detail as you can manage, you tell your friend everything. you start with when you realized you had feelings for matthew in freshman year and when the crush turned into love. you tell janie about your and matthew's pact about loosing your virginities and then turning 18 and having sex for the first time - about how your relationship turned into one with benefits and how you were still falling deeper in love with matthew.

she listenes intently, every so often making sure the guys are busy and not eavesdropping on your private confession - which you were thankful for as you were way too distracted with your own beating heart to notice if there were prying ears.

when you finish, ending on your brief conversation in the lake that afternoon, janie smiles at you softly. "I had a feeling there was something going on - but I didn't realize you were in love with him."

"really?" you laugh in disbelief, "I thought I was being obvious at times."

she hums in thought, mixing the dressing into the fresh salad. "if anything, I thought it was the other way around. like if it was matthew here telling me he loved you - I wouldn't be suprised."

her words are similar to a punch in the gut, but instead of pain it's a wave of hopefulness and excitement. "what?" you question gently, "what do you mean?"

she laughs gently, "this whole time I thought that he's had a secret crush on you. he's been so touchy with you, and he's always looking at you all cute and blah," she says, "it makes sense now - you've been hooking up."

and now it feels like a punch, you think. matthew was only looking at you and teasing you and touching you in a way that could be construed as being in love because he knew you'd give him sex. and like you've already comes to terms with that - you're okay with that. you love matthew, of course, not just romantically but as your best friend. so as long as he was happy with your arrangement, and still felt comfortable telling you everything and anything like you two have always done - you were happy.

"you're right with that," you tell janie. you reach into the cooler pulled open on the picnic bench, cracking open a white claw to take a gulp. "but seriously, i'm fine with this. i'm used to the unrequited love thing with him, trust me."

she gives you one more smile, "okay, as long as you're okay then i'm okay."

"care for some meat in your buns?" logan says loudly, approaching the picnic bench with a paper plate loaded with burgers. matthew and daniel follow behind him, both laughing like little kids at their friend's attempt at a dirty joke.

"don't be gross," janie stands, grabbing the plate to set it next to the condiments on the other side of the salad and cooler.

you watch as daniel thanks his girlfriend with a kiss on the cheek, making janie smile brightly as she opens the bun bag.

you're hit with a momentary wave of longing as you watch your friend so happy with the man she loves, and you wish it was like that with you and matthew - despite knowing he would never want that with you.

logan, ever the flirt, kisses your cheek loudly and then rounds to the other side of the wooden bench to give janie the same one. "thanks for the salad ladies, love you both." he plops down beside daniel and starts to load his plate with some macoroni salad.

you laugh gently while daniel starts playfully yelling at logan about kissing his girlfriend. subconsciously, you use your shoulder to wipe the cheek your friend had smooched.

matthew sits down next to you, definitely too close for just friends. now that janie knows though, you don't feel to worried about the proximity, letting his leg push up against yours underneath the table.

"you want a burger?" matthew asks you, his hand circling on your lower back.

you nod, "yeah, thanks. just one."

he reaches down the table towards the end farthest away, grabbing your burger and two for himself - he even dresses yours exactly how you love it, which obviously has you smiling. in thanks, you serve him his salads - matthew too distracted with devouring his first burger to serve himself them.

matthew acknowledges your act of service with his calf wrapping around the front of your shin, pulling your leg to rest between his own under the table. and then when he smiles at you all cheesy between bites of his food - you don't even get disgusted, only feeling fuzzy and tingly all over.

you chug the rest of your white claw.

-

"when do you think the fireworks will start?" logan grunts across the bonfire, shoving a marshmallow on his stick roughly. "it's dark as shit."

janie shushes him and tells him not to swear - a couple little kids laugh in the distance to prove her point.

"soon," you tell him, twisting your metal stick that holds your marshmallow over the flames. the gooey ball slowly turning brown and crispy as you spin it. "patience is key, logan."

"yeah, well, my patience is running thin." logan chimes, pushing his own stick into the fire.

matthew laughs beside you, "you don't have patience to begin with."

the blonde scoffs, "y/n, tell the peanut gallery to quiet down."

you and matthew giggle quietly to each other at your friends annoyance. you let your arm bump into his bicep on your shared bench, head briefly resting against his shoulder as you laugh.

your marshmallow catches fire, and you smile victoriously. you pull it out from the bonfire and up to your mouth. the flame from the treat is hot on your face, but you blow it out quickly, leaving you with a melted and charred marshmallow. "alright, matty, i'm ready for the sandwich."

matthew praises your perfectly burnt marshmallow. "yes ma'am," he teases. you watch as he brings his arms up, a graham cracker with a square of chocolate in each hand, clutched between his fingers. you watch as he smooshes the marshmallow between the crackers, smoothly pulling the gooey sticky treat off the stick.

he smiles, "and there you go," matthew hands you the campfire treat, "take a bite of that and tell me it's not the perfectly crafted s'more."

he had been going on about his double deckered s'more since the drive to the campsite - claiming nobody could make the desert as good as he could. you had teased him relentlessly all afternoon about it, so once the fire had gotten started, matthew was quick to get the s'more kit out.

you send him a look, grabbing the s'more and taking a big bite. you feel the marshmallow goo smear onto your lips, graham cracker crumbling to the ground. you chew delicately, matthew watching you the entire time.

you swallow, "it's good."

"just good?" he repeats, eyes widening.

your use your free hand to wipe your mouth, "the best part was the marshmallow - which i contributed. just tasted like a normal s'more with extra chocolate."

he scoffs in disbelief, "which is the best part!"

you scrunch your nose, licking some smeared chocolate from your thumb. "the marshmallow is the best, actually."

he rolls his eyes playfully, "fine." then he dips his head down, taking the rest of your s'more between his teeth and right out of your hand.

you screech, "you better make me another one."

he shakes his head and swallows, "no you didn't like it." he faux's annoyance, turning his face away from you.

"oh my god," you huff.

"can you make me one of your s'mores?" daniel asks from across the small bonfire, leaning forward on his camping chair to catch matthew's eyes.

matthew sighs, "what's the point...my best friend doesn't even like them."

you laugh at his fake huffy tone, "I didn't say I didn't like them!"

he turns back to you, "didn't have to."

you laugh again loudly, and at the sound matthew finally cracks a smile. he throws an arm around your shoulders, pulling you into his chest. "i'm teasing you," you whispers into your hairline.

"had no idea," you tell him playfully, tilting your head up to look him in the eyes. he smirks down at you - one his his hands coming up to your mouth, where he thumbs the missed marshmallow off your lip.

you swallow nervously but continue to look up at him - the sound of your friends laughter and obliviousness to you and matthew fading into the background.

the squeal of a firework has you looking away just in time for the boom to sound throughout the campsite, sparks of red and blue lighting up the sky in the distance.

"fuck yeah," logan cheers, jumping up from his seat, claiming he gets a better viewing angle if he stands.

janie follows suit, phone out to get pictures and videos of the firework show - daniel at her side as all there backs are now turned to the forgotten flames of the bonfire.

as you watch the beautiful lights, you feel matthew squeeze around your shoulders tighter and then he presses a long kiss to the corner of your mouth.

-

you're one of the last ones sitting by the dying fire, your body flushed with the heat and alcohol. still sitting beside you, matthew laughs deeply at something logan says - his shoulder rubs against yours at the movement. you're also laughing at logan's slurred attempt at a joke, and you shush them gently through your giggles.

logan moves to stand, his lean body swaying slightly as his arms reach up over his head in a long stretch. "should probably head to sleep anyways."

"me too." you nod in agreement, "janie will have us all up before 7 for that hike she's been taking about."

both matthew and logan groan at the thought, heads dropping backwards in protest. you roll your eyes but smile, although you're also not looking forward to the early wake up call, the hiking trail looked beautiful and you were looking forward to the scenery - clearly, the boys couldn't care less.

"alright, kniesy, you want the blue sleeping bag or the green one?" logan teases, his fingers working against the zipper of the tent as he glances over his shoulder at you both.

matthew shrugs nonchalantly. he puts out the last tiny gathering of flames in the pit with a jug of lake water. "i'm not sharing with you. i'll share with y/n...she smells better."

his words make you blush. you turn away and busy yourself with cleaning up the collection of alcohol cans littered around the small campsite - tossing them in one of the empty coolers for disposal in the morning.

"dick." logan scoffs playfully, "I wear dior but suit yourself." logan doesn't protest any further, and clambers into his form of shelter, zipping up the tent's entrance behind him - leaving you alone.

you can hear matthew pick up some beer bottles, the glass clanking together in his hands. he clears his throat, "is that okay?"

you hum lightly with question. you don't turn to look at him, too worried about the reaction your body might have now that you're finally alone with matthew after a day of tension.

"that we share a tent? is that okay?" matthew walks up behind you, and he reaches to grab the can in your hand.

you finally meet his eyes as you look back at him. "course it's okay," you say gently. with your hands now free, they itch to reach out and run over his torso, pull him into you and kiss him roughly right there.

"i've got these if you want to head into bed." matthew tells you quietly, tossing more cans into the cooler.

you blink three times, and you swallow with a quick nod. "okay." you start making towards the direction of now your and matthew's shared tent, listening as matthew cleans up the picnic table. you pause, looking over you shoulder.

as if matthew can feel your stare, he glances back at you. he raises his brows with a smirk at your face - clearly on the verge of saying something. before you can talk yourself out of it, you smile teasingly. "i'll make sure I smell real good for you."

matthew grins, straightening his posture as he finishes cleaning the table he'd been hunched over. under the glow of the stars, you can see matthew's face flush at your comment, and knowing your words had affected him in some way have you blushing.

matthew clears his throat, "looking forward to it."

your blush deepens.

you take two steps backward until you feel the polyester entrance of the tent. matthew sends one more seductive smirk in your direction before you spin around, climbing into your tent in an attempt to calm yourself down.

you can hear matthew tidying up the plastic garbage bags while you take a few deep breaths, pressing a hand to your warm forehead in an attempt to stay grounded. your stomach flutters at the mere thought of matthew coming into the tent with you, never mind the ideas that flood your head of what will happen when you two will finally be alone.

you exhale, kicking your sandals off to the side so you don't trek any dirt into the sleeping area. you had already pumped up the air mattress in preparation for sleep. sleeping bags had always made you claustrophobic: so you avoided them.

quickly, you start fluffing the bedding and shoving your things around until it looks somewhat organized. you're not sure why you feeling so nervous, but there's something about what's been brewing that has your chest tightening and mouth drying. maybe it was because you two were technically in public and not alone - or possibly because you hadn't had sex in a few weeks. either way, the thought of matthew had you trembling.

just as you flick the small portable lamp on and the inside of the tent becomes illuminated with a dim glow, you can hear matthew begin to tug on the tent's zipper - he struggles a few times, no doubt from the combination the alcohol and the darkness of the late night.

"fuck me," matthew mutters as he finally steps in. the sound of his voice sends your heart racing, and you smile gently to try and seem calm. the flashlight is shining from his phone and through his front hoodie pocket - he must've just slipped it in there as he entered. "stupid zipper."

you clear your throat, "maybe it's not the zipper that's stupid..." you trail of teasingly, grabbing onto your duffle bag to lug it on top the mattress.

matthew laughs, raising his brows in your direction. "you're just such a bully today."

you purse your lips, digging through your belongings until you find your lemon printed pyjama set. "you're still bitter because I won the race -"

"by cheating," he reminds you cheekily. matthew must've made a trip to his car after putting the garbage in logan's truck bed, because you see his overnight bag on his arm. he drops it near the foot of the bed with a thud.

"by being smart." you correct him with a hum.

matthew drops down to the mattress beside you, the velvet material puffing under his weight - the movement sends you into his side. now that you're closer, he reaches out slowly, tucking some of your fallen hair behind your ear.

you grip onto your pyjamas to keep yourself present as matthew's eyes bore into yours - a little hazy from the alcohol but they're still the most beautiful eyes you've seen.

his hand moves back, thick fingers threading through strands of hair so he can hold the side of your head, his thumb stroking along your scalp behind your ear.

you think you may have a heart attack. the combination of his intense lustful gaze and his hands on your skin has you squirming.

"you've always been so smart," matthew continues quietly, and his breath tickles against your red cheeks. "expect for s'more knowledge - you're not too smart in that department."

you click your tongue, gently pushing against his peck in protest. "you're such a little shit."

matthew grabs you, his warm palm wrapping around your wrist so you're unable to pull your hand away from his chest. "I miss you," he tells you through an exhale, his finger stroking along the pulspoint on your wrist.

you hope he can't feel how fast your heart is beating. you swallow gently, and your free hand slides up his leg, resting right against the thick muscle above his knee. "i'm right here," you whisper.

matthew nods once, "I know."

the tone of his words seems off, but he doesn't leave you room to question it. matthew leans in, mouth capturing yours in a long awaited kiss. the little moments of tension throughout the day had finally spilled over as his lips slide against yours.

all nerves you'd been feeling disappear at the familiarity of his kiss and you sigh into his mouth pleasantly. slowly, your hand slips up towards his face. matthew allows you to move, releasing his grip on your wrist so you can cradle his jawline with both of your hands.

with his now free hand, matthew grabs onto your waist, fingers curling into your skin as he begins to guide your body backwards - slowly, as if not startle you or rush you.

matthew keeps your lips connected until your back hits the rubber mattress, continuing his delicious assault on your mouth as you fall into a horizontal position. the air mattress squeaks and puffs under the change in position - typically a comical sound, but with the way matthew's lips trial down your jaw and continue down to your jugular, you don't find it humorous. you're too distracted from the wet kisses on your skin and the weight of his body on yours.

matthew pauses where your neck meets your collarbone, nipping at your sunkissed skin before soothing the sting out with his tongue, licking a flat strip over every bite. the feeling has you panting quietly, your hands raking through his thick brown locks. he sucks on to your sweet spot, right in the pit of your collarbone, and your grip tightens - illiciting a moan from matthew.

"lift your hips for me, baby," his command is whispered against the shell of your ear, pressing a kiss there, which sends a shiver through your body.

you do as he requested, lifting your lower half off the bed. you core bumps against his crotch, matthew's semi bumping your bundle of nerves perfectly - the contact sends a moan tumbling past your puffy lips.

matthew hisses, "fuck can't do that baby - feels too good." he pushes off your body, leaning back to rest against his heels.

your smirk, thrusting your hips into the air involuntarily - searching for the friction he had provided just moments before.

matthew reaches towards you, hands landing on your hip bones. he curses, two of his fingers hooking the waistband of your bottoms, tugging them down in one rough pull.

instinctively, your legs fall open wider, exposing your bare core further for matthew. your body was clearly ready for whatever was to come next - you feel yourself clench around nothing at the thought.

the dim light catches you, and matthew smirks at the sight your pussy glistening with arousal. "fuck," he curses again. two of his thick fingers slide through your folds, playing and gathering your wetness and spreading it up to your clit. "already so wet for me."

you whine, "please, matty - don't tease. I need you so bad." his fingers prode at your dripping entrance and you sigh pleasantly, tugging your lip between your teeth as you watch him move. matthew slips a finger inside and your back arches off the mattress, mouth falling open in a silent moan.

"feel good, baby?" he question, pumping into you lazily - hitting all the right places and nerves that could have you coming in seconds.

you moan again, "I need you inside me."

"yeah, okay," matthew breaths, pulling his fingers from your entrance with a squelch. he makes you suck your arousal off his digits - watching you blissfully and mouth hung open as your tongue swirls along his fingers.

matthew stands up, quickly shoving his pants down his thick thighs. he's left naked from the waist down, only left in his maroon hoodie.

the sight of that has you giggling, biting on your thumb to try and contain your wave of laughter.

matthew laughs as he pulls his sweatshirt over his head in one swift motion - leaving him bare in the privacy of your tent. any and all previous laughter comes to a halt, and you admire his naked form shamelessly. he's always been so sexy, you think. with a broad strong chest and defined abs, accompanied by his thick arms and legs - he was the epitome of perfect.

"fuck," you swear, "come back here."

he listens to you request, naked body soon hovering over you. "shit," matthew curses gently after a quick press to your lips. "I don't have condoms." he tells you, pushing himself further above you with one arm. affectionately, his other hand strokes the hair away from your face.

you shake your head and bring your lower lip into your mouth again - knawing on the swollen skin. "I don't care," you admit to him quitley.

matthew's face lights up, and his brows raise in a silent question. "you sure?"

you shrug with a small smile, "I mean, I haven't like been with anyone in awhile- and i'm clean...if you're-"

"i'm clean," he interrupts you gently.

you stomach swoops with a mix of nervousness and excitement. the lips you had once been knawing at is released with a quiet pop - a wide grin breaking out on your face.

matthew takes the bruised coloured lip between his, licking the skin before bringing you into another kiss. your lips crash together passionately, brushing over one another in a way that makes your body feel like it's on fire. your heart is palpating in your chest when matthew's hand leaves your hair, trailing down your body until it reaches your bare hipbone.

his warm hands slides up, pushing your hoodie towards your chest with his fingers. he breaks the kiss momentarily, matthew's chest heaving against yours as he tries to catch his breath. "arch your back for me."

"m'kay," you hum, lifting your lower back offthe mattress. with the space under you, matthew pulls your hoodie off your torso, pulling it over you head and throwing it towards your duffle bag that had been pushed off the bed - sitting upside down on the polyester floor.

now left in only a yellow printed bikini top, nipples pebbled underneath the thin damp material. matthew's tongue darts out to wet his lower lip, and he rips away the cups from your breasts, revealing you completely. "fuck, you're so pretty." he mumbles.

"matty, please fuck me." you whimper, hooking your leg around the curve of his hip, locking yourself in place against him. you tug him down gently, his hard on bumping your bare core roughly.

you moan in unison at the friction. matthew answers you by gripping his throbbing dick in his fist and he pumps himself a few times, readying himself for your warmth. he lines the tip of himself with your hole, gently sliding his head through your dripping wet folds - bumping your clit until your whining.

"matty," you whine. "please."

his head slides into you, slowly, your pussy pulling him in naturally. the full feeling was so beautifully overwhelming, and you push your head further into the pillow under you, mouth falling open in pleasure.

you mewl at his dick filling you, "so much," you mumble, hands blindly finding the edge of your pillow case until you can grip onto it - grounding yourself. "always so much."

"shh... just a little bit more, baby," matthew soothes you, his hand coming up from between your bodies to untangle your hand from the pillow. he interlocks his fingers with yours, squeezing his hand in yours as he slides into you fully.

"oh my- shit," you curse, eyes darting down as matthew begins to thrust into your pussy. your free hand shoots up to hold onto his thick shoulder, keeping yourself in place as the pace begins to pick up.

"god, you feel so fucking good." he moans, leaning down so his lips capture yours. the kiss is more heavy breathing and exploring tongues than anything else, but it all feels too damn good to care.

matthew breaks the kiss, his forehead pressing against yours. his hips and dick continuing to thrust into you at the speed and pressure you love so much.

in that moment, you think how easy it would be for you to tell him you love him. the way he keeps his eyes trained on your face, or the way he touches you so delicately - it's almost impossible to not to slip up and say something. his skilled kisses and forceful thrusts into you, it's all too much.

"you okay, baby?" he huffs, eyes locking on yours as he continues thrusting.

you nod, pushing your lips on his once more. your stomach tingles when matthew immediately kisses you back. he untangles your intertwined hands in favour of reaching between your bodies again, thumbing your sensitive clit.

you moan loudly, "fuck, keep doing that." he silences your noises with a quick peck, continuing the double stimulation on your pussy.

in the three years of having casual sex with matthew, he has come to know your body very well - including when you're going to finish. he feels the way your walls begin to clamp down on his dick, as is if you were trying to pull him deeper into you. your grip on his shoulder tightens, your nails no doubt leaving creasing shaped indents on his tan skin.

matthew watches the way your face changes, an intense blissful expression taking over.

"i'm gunna..."

"I know, fuck, cum on my dick." he grunts between thrusts.

the coil in your stomach snaps at his command, and you release on him - your juices flowing from your weeping hole and wetting his lower region.

with three more hard thrusts, matthew moans, pushing into you as he finishes. you feel his cum coat your insides, thick ropes of semen spilling from his head and covering your sticky walls.

matthew grabs a hold of your hip, gently pushing down as he slowly pulls himself out of you. "shit," he curses, watching the way his cum drips from you, pooling against your ass and spilling onto the mattress. "you okay, y/n/n?"

you nod tiredly with a faint smile on your puffy lips, pushing up onto your elbows. "i'm okay," you confirm. "can you get me my pyjamas? I think I threw them on the floor earlier."

matthew laughs gently, "yeah." he crawls off your body, and you admire his naked ass as he walks over to the opposite of the bed to your tipped bag. he picks up your lemon set, tossing them at you gently. "you don't want to naked cuddle?"

you giggle, pulling on your top and buttoning it together. "janie will be in here early - can't have her seeing us naked."

he shrugs, pulling his boxer briefs back up his legs. "nothing wrong with a bit of nakedness."

you squawk, "maybe I don't want her to see you naked."

matthew brings his bottom lip between his teeth, smirking down at you as you pull your shorts on. "why? you'd be jealous?"

"more like embarrassed," you tease.

"hey!" he laughs, crawling back over your body to capture your laughing mouth in another kiss.

Part Four (B):

the summer breeze blows your sundress against your knees, the soft fabric tickling your legs. you sway with the warm air, eyes dancing over the busy park as you wait for matthew to return.

you watch him make his way over, a bright smile on his face as he weaves through walking adults and hyper kids. the sight has you breaking out into a grin, your previously crossed arms falling to your sides just as he reaches you. "and one vanilla cone for a pretty girl."

"why thank you kind sir," you tease with a light giggle. you waste no time, licking a flat strip up the sweet ice cream, moaning gently as the cool desert melts in your mouth.

matthew chuckles at the sound, tongue wrapping around his own cone. "good?"

"mhm!" you mumble in answer, your mouth full of ice cream.

matthew smiles, licking some more chocolate desert off his cone. he grabs your hand in his much warmer palm, interlocking your fingers together as you continue to stroll further into the arizona park.

the bright sun shines over the area, illuminating the vibrant leaves on the trees and the colourful flower beds that sat at every stump and bush. the scene is so relaxing and peaceful, like something from a painting.

matthew has always looked so amazing in the summer, you think. his hair becomes lighter, and he always bulks back up from the end of season weight loss. you watch as his muscles contract under his white shirt, and the sight has your mouth watering. you distract yourself by eating some more of your treat.

"you okay?" he squeezes your hand, "want some chocolate ice cream?"

"i'm fine," you say, "I do want some though - give me a lick." matthew holds his cone out infront of your face, and you grip his wrist to steady his hand while you taste some of his ice cream - taking a good sized amount of chocolate on your tongue.

you smile, pleased, and release your grip - once he pulls back, matthew eyes you suspiciously. "you sure you're okay? you looked pretty deep in thought for a minute there."

"just thinking about how delicious my ice cream is!" you say lightly, sending matthew an overly large grin in hopes to throw him off your track - it fails.

"y/n." he deadpans.

you moan gently, head falling to matthew's bicep. "fine! honestly i'm thinking about how pretty you look in this sunshine."

a fond smile makes its way onto his face, "you're such a sap."

"hey," you scoff, pulling away from matthew's touch. "don't be an asshole, I was trying to be nice and compliment you - I take it back."

"I was joking," he draws out, hands reaching back out for you, "come here." matthew successfully grabs onto your wrist, pulling you back into his space. he then wraps his arm around your shoulders, keeping your body tucked into him as you leisurely walk along.

you pout largely and mumble, "better be."

matthew laughs breathily at your exaggerated facial expression, and he brushes his lips against your sweaty hairline in an apology.

you walk in silence for a few minutes, taking in the busy park while you and matthew finish off your respective ice cream cones. it's moments like this that you cherish so much with your best friend. the moments of complete silence, where the two of your just enjoy each others presence without words. one of the reasons you love matthew so much is because how comfortable he makes you, no matter where you are or what you're doing.

eventually, you take a deep inhale, breaking the silence between you. "thanks for the ice cream, matty. and for bringing me here."

he shrugs nonchalantly, "of course. I feel like we haven't spent time together, just us, in sooooo long. wanted to be with my favourite person."

your face heats up instantly and you smirk teasingly, gazing up at him fondly. "look who's the sap now." you nudge your elbow deeper into his side, and then wrap that arm around his waist so he can't pull away from you.

"oh okay," matthew sighs, "I see how it is."

"i'm kidding," you sing song, laughing gently. your free hand comes up to grab his fingers on the hand that was dangling of your sundress covered shoulders. "dish it but can't take it, matty?"

matthew slows in his steps, making you both come to a gradual stop. he grabs your waist, spinning your body to completely face his as you stand still in the middle of the park. "you're impossible, y/n/n." matthew says with a grin. he takes one hand and reaches for your face, your warm summer flush being covered by his palm.

"shut up," you say through a smile, "you're the impossible one."

"mhm," matthew hums quietly, thumb stroking along your cheek bone as he holds you. you watch the way his eyes move over your face gently, staring at all your freckles and moles, down to your lips and back up to your bright eyes. matthews tongue darts out to wet his bottom lip, his fond expression indicating he didn't really hear what you said - too distanced by....you.

you swallow gently, your own eyes never once straying from his face as he studies you. you feel unbearably warm under his gaze, heat bubbling in your blood in the best possible way.

matthew's right hand comes up to brush against the other side of your face, holding you between his large palms. on instinct, you touch his hips, your delicate fingers dusting along the linen fabric of his shirt.

he finds your eyes once more, holding your gaze for a long moment. that fond look had yet to disappear, and if anything it become more prevalent when your eyes locked.

you think you might gasp, or swear or pass out - you're not sure, but your head is spinning with love and happiness under matthew's stare.

you're not sure if you should say anything. you think of maybe asking him if he's okay, but your words die on your tongue when matthew licks his lips again, wetting the plump skin in a way that makes them even more desirable.

a beat passes, and then matthew finally closes the gap between you and captures your lips in his. the pressure is comforting and the way he sucks your top lip into his mouth expertly had your knees feeling weak - gripping onto his waist to keep yourself upright.

the kiss doesn't last long enough before matthew is pulling away - mindful of the busy public setting and the people bustling around the park. you sigh at the loss of contact, and at the sound of your disappointment matthew leans back in, stealing one more chaste kiss.

"you taste like vanilla," matthew says cheekily, he's still holding your face, keeping you close in his space.

you scrunch your nose up, the skin crinkling in the middle of of your face. matthew smiles at the sight. slowly, he releases your face, hands coming down to interlock your fingers once again - tugging on your hand as he begins to walk again.

"you taste like dusty waffle cone." you say, squeezing his hand reassuringly.

matthew chuckles, "you love my dusty waffle cone." he swings your intertwined hands between your bodies, his knuckles brushing the soft material of your sundress with every pass.

you take a long breath in, smiling gently - the scent of peonies and roses invading your senses pleasantly. you look towards matthew and find him already smiling at you.

you shrug at his statement, "I prefer sweet."

his smiles widens, "good thing i'm sweet enough without the ice cream then, huh?"

matthew's teasing has you blushing all the way to your chest and up your ears, nibbling on your lip in an attempt to contain your grin. "good thing."

matthew's smile softens slightly, but the look of amusement never leaves his eyes. he tugs your arm, "c'mon," he says, "let's go get food and then head home - i've been having an urge to binge american pie."

"deal," you smile, "but only if we get pizza."

matthew groans in agreement, "you've got a deal."

Part Four (C): halloween, sophomore year UNI

"whoops," you mumble, arms held out to regain your shaky balance after almost falling over. normally you'd blame your stumbling on the uneven concrete outside your residence building, but the margarita's pumping through your blood were definitely the reason tonight.

"careful," matthew laughs, a strong arm reaching out to grasp on to your waist. one of your devil wings stabs into his ribs, but because of his own alcohol intake, matthew doesn't seem to feel it. "did you want me to come up with you?"

you hum with contemplation, slowing in your steps as you approach the glass doors of residence. "think i'll be okay..." you smirk, spinning in his arms so fast it makes you momentarily dizzy. "unless you want to fuck."

matthew laughs, "we are both too drunk." he's almost suprised at his own common sense - even furrows his brows after he finishes the scentence.

"you're right," it's a sigh from your lips, and you fall forward into his chest, arm circling around his waist over the angel costume. "at least a kiss before I go?"

matthew smirks at your pouty face, your chin pressed between his pecks as you stare up at him. wordlessly, he grabs a hold of your face and kisses you.

the kiss is a little messy, and the flavours of your respective drinks mix between your shared silvia. regardless, it still has your blood pumping in your ears and matthew grinning against your mouth - both of you too drunk to care.

when he pulls away, his eyes are droopy with sleep and lust. "y/n/n," he whispers, "can I tell you something."

"always," you slur.

he brushes over the top of your head, smoothing your frizzy curls. "I purposely rejected girls last year so that i'd loose my virginity to you....because I only wanted it to be you. I've never wanted anyone the way I want you."

too drunk to disect his words, you smile clueless, pressing a chaste kiss to the palm of his hand. "I wanted it to be you too."

matthew, who is also too drunk to take in your words or understand his own, smiles cheekily. "wanna get frozen yogurt tomorrow?"

you gasp, "yes!"

the next afternoon when you both wake up, neither of you get frozen yogurt because neither of you remember the conversation.

Part Five:

something has definitely changed between you and matthew. maybe it was just in your head, but ever since the kiss you shared in the park a few week prior, there has been a shift between you.

touches lingered longer, eyes swam with newfound confidence and when he would kiss you, he would do it just for the purpose of kissing. it wouldn't lead to sex or a heated make out, matthew would simply just kiss you hello and goodbye or after a teasing remark.

and sure, it's not that matthew would only kiss you when he wanted sex before that - but it was never for no reason. the park kiss was the first time you felt loved by matthew and when he kissed you because he just felt like it.

you think maybe there's a possibility something was blooming between you. a small chance that matthew had feelings for you - that he loved you.

"hey," matthew whispers, hand squeezing your thigh to grab your attention. "you okay?"

you blink, looking away from the tiny airplane window and over to your friend. you nod, "i'm okay," matthew's eyes scan your features quickly, but you catch his worried eyes - sending a reassuring smile. "just trying to remember if I packed my toothbrush." you lie easily.

matthew seems to buy it, laughing gently into your shoulder. "if you did, i'll buy you a new one."

you smile, and your arms snake around his bicep in a hug. "better be one of those expensive electric ones if that's the case." you tease quietly. matthew laughs again, his arm flexing under your hands.

"anything you want."

only a week after your ice cream date in the park, matthew had asked if you wanted to come with him to toronto for a week. he said that around august every year, the guys started to get back into the groove of things, so he was thinking of heading back for a brief visit before moving back for the season.

when you asked why he wanted you to come, he said he wanted his favourite person to meet his toronto family, which obviously sent you into a loving spiral. it was enough for you to agree, packing your bags and accompanying your best friend to canada a week later.

you find yourself turning to look out the window once again, the CN tower looking back at you from a few miles in the distance. a wave of excitement floods you, and your turn back to matthew.

"i'm excited to meet everyone," you admit. one of your hands move from his arm to grab his hand that was on your leg, palm coming down on the top of his hand. "can't wait for them to tell me how much of pest you are in the locker room."

he scoffs playfully, "the only reason you want to see everyone is so that you can talk shit?... I should've known better."

you laugh, hiding your face in matthew's broad shoulder. he smiles at the sound, pressing a kiss to the top of your head. you smile into his shirt at the feeling, letting your brain run wild with feelings.

"are you sure it's okay that i'm staying with you?"

"course," matthew hums, "john and aryne are so excited to meet you. aryne has already said how stoked she is to have a girl in the house for a week."

that has you grinning, squeezing his hand happily. "I can't believe i'm going to meet an nhl superstar," you whisper giddy.

matthew quirks a brow, "you've met me. I thought I was an nhl superstar?"

"you'll still be my favourite," you trail off, tilting your head up so brush your lips against his, giving matthew a chaste kiss.

'attention passengers, we will be making our descend to toronto pearson international airport now - please ensure you remain seated and keep your seatbelts buckled until landing."

matthew pulls away from your kiss, giving your thigh another assuring squeeze.

—

"no way!" you grin, your knife slowing is it cuts through your piece of saucy chicken, "what did you do?" you asked amused, stabbing your food before bringing it to your mouth.

aryne tavares swallows her mouthful of water, placing the glass down gently. "well, I panicked for sure! I ushered axton to go with steph, and handed the baby to jake's wife. then I ran after jace! he sure is small but god did his small legs outrun me."

you laugh lightly, slowly chewing your piece of chicken before swallowing. "that's sweet though, regardless."

"I know," she smiles sweetly, eating some of her own honey garlic seasoned meat.

beside you, matthew laughs as well, shoving another mouthful of rice in his mouth. "he made me ride home with them because he was worried - held my hand the whole time." he tells you between chews of his food.

you coo, forking some of your crispy potatoes.

aryne and john tavares had picked you up from the pearson airport terminal, and they greeted you like you were apart of their family and have known you for years. immediately, you felt welcomed by the tavares', all of you falling into comfortable conversation on the drive to their home.

you and aryne had cooked dinner together, laughing and talking like the two of you had done it many times before - making a delicious honey garlic glazed chicken with whole grain rice and crisp baby potatoes.

as you all sat down to eat, john and aryne wasted no time jumping into stories about matthew and his first few months in the NHL - including the most recent one that aryne had been sharing: when matthew got his concussion and their son, Jace, had ran through the arena to make sure matthew was okay.

"didn't stop him from whacking me with a mini stick the next morning," matthew teases after your fond coo.

you all laugh gently, not wanting to wake any of the kids from where they slept upstairs - wiped out from spending the day at their grandparents.

"I love that story," you admit fondly, finishing off your portion of perfectly seasoned rice.

"matthew said you would," john muses, sending your friend a knowing glance through his thick dark lashes, a smirk beginning to tug on the captain's mouth.

"did he now?" you tease in matthew's direction, further contributing to the blush rising on matthew's warm face. he chuckles gently, eyes trained on his empty dinner plate to  avoid his captains tease and your soft gaze.

"he talks about you all the time," john continues to tease, laughing as his younger teammate splutters with embarrassment. "think I know more about you than I do about matthew."

aryne scolds her husband with a smile, smacking his arm gently.

"all good things I hope?" you question gently, a hopeful smile tugging your lips upwards as you look around.

matthew clears his throat quickly. "always" he tells you, rubbing along the top of your thigh, his warm palm tickling your exposed skin underneath the dining room table.

you blush, clearing your throat before taking a healthy sip of your water.

—

the weight of matthew's body on top of yours is foolproof. although his full weight isn't on you, the heat of his skin has you feeling amazing.

the spare bedroom popcorn ceiling of the tavares house is staring down at you, bright white and crisp. the room still smells like matthew - like he never left his home in toronto. his clothes still in the closet, and his cologne and old spice deodorant on the dresser.

a smile breaks out on your face at the sight and thought of matthew being so comfortable and happy in toronto, your eyes darting to his as he looks down at you - his own grin playing at his lips.

"I can believe i'm in your room."

his brows pull together ever so slightly, his lips tugging further upwards. "you've seen this room before."

"yeah," you sigh, "but only on facetime. this is different - I love it."

matthew laughs gently, face dipping down to hide in the crook of your neck. his hair tickles your skin, and the tip of his nose nudges against your pulse point. matthew presses his lips on your sweet spot, but instead of kissing you, he blows a raspberry. the feeling has you squirming, a tiny squeal falling form your lips as you laugh - trying to escape the tickle sensation.

he pulls away to look at you, a cheeky smile on his face.

"you're ridiculous," you laugh, pinching the inside of his bicep.

matthew's smile widens, "you love when I do that."

"no I don't." your smile gives you away, and matthew is leaning back in, blowing a quick raspberry on your flushed cheek - eliciting another laugh from you. he soothes the tickle with a quick kiss, turning your face more pink.

"I missed you so much when I was here," matthew says gently, "I can't believe that you're with me right now."

you blink in suprise, a fond smile blooming on your lips. "nowhere else i'd rather be."

he quirks a brow up playfully, "than with me?"

"no," you deadpan, "this bed. god, that nhl money really gets you the expensive mattresses, huh?" you tease, stretching your arms over your head in an exaggerated stretching motion.

matthew tongues his cheek with a grin before using one of his hands to tickle your exposed under arm. you squeak again, bringing your arms down quickly.

a moment passes, and then matthew is holding your cheek, his face coming down again but this time to kiss you softly. like usual, your stomach swoops, the feeling of his lips tenderly pressing into yours nothing short of perfect.

he pulls away an inch and then presses one more long kiss to your lips. you sigh pleasantly, eyes fluttering open to meet his blue ones again.

in between your spread legs, you feel matthew's dick twitch through his lulu shorts, right against your core. he groans quietly, "you know how many times i've jerked off in this bed thinking about sex with you?"

a mix of a laugh and gasp passes your lips, "matty! that's so gross."

he laughs amused, "and you love it."

you really do.

"so, what? i'm just laying in your cum? you're nasty." you laugh again, covering your face with in the crook of your elbow.

gently, he tugs your arm away, revealing your face to him once more. "my cum is literally in you."

you shush him, burning a deep burgundy all over.

"hey," matthew starts, "tomorrow I was thinking we could go around the city? do all that shitty tourist stuff until our heads explode. then tomorrow night, mitch and steph are having a get together at this club, thought we could go. then you can meet everyone else."

you smile brightly as you listen to matthew, enjoying the way he absentmindedly plays with the baby hairs around your face, pushing them off your forehead as he talks. "sounds perfect," you hum once he finishes.

matthew's smiles and he nods, pressing two quick kisses to your lips.

—

matthew woke you up at 7 a.m. the next morning, claiming you two had to get to the aquarium before the tourists did - when you reminded him that the two of you are also tourists, he shushed you quickly, making you laugh as his index finger pressed to your lips.

like he said he would, matthew took you around the whole city. he showed you the most iconic tourist spots in toronto - like the CN tower and museum, as well as bringing you to leafs square and showing you all his favourite spots. all day, matthew was so bubbly and happy showing you everywhere - he talked and laughed with you, never letting go of your hand or waist as he dragged you around toronto.

for a late lunch, matthew brought you to a cute cafe in trinity bellwoods, which was so delicious. while you both ate cheesy sandwiches, he had trapped your leg between his own, smiling gently anytime you caught gazes. it was all so....domestic and wonderful - you fought hard to not grin like a manic the entire day.

"you still up for tonight? everyone's looking forward to meeting you." matthew spoke into your ear on the walk back to his parked car, arm wrapped around your shoulder to keep you close.

"yes," you said, "i'm excited." and then matthew kissed you right outside the sky dome for everyone to see.

you were....so in love with him.

—

you sighed, hands flattening your black skirt down as you checked your outfit over in the bathroom mirror. your top glittered as it caught the warm glow of the lightbulbs above, elevating a rather simple outfit into one appropriate for an expensive night club.

still unsure, you brought you lip between your teeth, tasting the strawberry lip stain as you did. "matty," you called out gently, padding out of the en suite and into the spare room matthew's stuff occupied, "is this okay?"

sitting on the mattress, matthew looks up from his phone at the sound of your voice. instantly, his eyes soften and glaze over, his plump lips parting as he drinks you in from head to toe.

he stands up, phone long forgotten as he makes his way over towards you. "more than okay," matthew mutters, reaching out to run his calloused fingertips over your bare shoulder, "i'm going to have to fight off other men - you look so pretty. i'm pretty good at fighting though, so don't worry."

"loser," you chime with a smile, "think it's appropriate?"

"yes," he smiles, "they'll be falling at your feet."

you roll your eyes playfully, brushing past him to grab your shoes in your small travel bag, rifling through your options. "is the uber almost here?"

he nods, watching as you pull out your favourite pair of shoes. "yeah, they're about to pull up." matthew answers, walking back over to your side.

"m'kay," you hum, strapping on the heels of your sandals. you teeter without your full balance, and matthew immediately grabs your arm to steady you.

you fight back your grin, finishing with the buckle.

matthew leads you outside with a hand on your lower back, gently guiding you into the back seat of the uber. you think he may choose to sit in the front seat, but he climbs in after you, sliding beside you effortlessly.

in the short ride to the nightclub, matthew's hand doesn't leave your leg, his palm either squeezing the meat of your thigh or a finger stroking along your tanned skin.

there's a moment when your driver makes a turn onto the street for the club, and matthew looks down at you fondly. his free hand brushes away some hair, lingering by your ear when he whispers, "being with you feels like a dream I never want to wake up from."

you feel your body melt into the backseat, your grip on his bicep tightening as you stare up at him. without knowing what words to say, you choose to lean in, kissing him with as much love you can put into a kiss.

as matthew pulls away with a giddy smile, getting ready to guide you out the uber and into the line for the nightclub - you decide you're ready to tell him how you feel. when you both are back home, you're going to confess your love to him and you think - after this trip - he will feel the same.

you can see the way matthew looks at you, how he touches you and the words he says - you are positive your best friend is in love with you. the thought has you giddy, letting matthew pull you into the club with smiles on both your faces.

a cheerful loud chorus of greetings are thrown in your direction as you and matthew approach the teams occupied table at the back of the club. watching matthew light up at seeing and hearing his teammates reactions to him, instantly had you beaming.

your smile widens as matthew introduces you to everyone - first as a group, and then to everyone individually. he praises you everytime, which has you blushing. and when he doesn't introduce you as his best friend, but rather his girl, you just about melt into the sticky flooring.

everybody is friendly with you, and as you sit between matthew and steph marner, you've never felt more included in a new group of people before. steph asks about anything and everything she can think of, and you answer with just as much passion and enthusiasm as she has. then the other wags chime in and ask you about yourself - matthew smiling fondly with an arm strewn over the back of your chair - it was all you could of wanted.

the first hour is spent catching up and getting to know everyone at the table, laughter and appetizers shared between you all.

it was all going perfectly, and then, "kniesy, does your girlfriend want another drink?" you hear jake mcCabe ask matthew. you tune out amber brodie's words at the question, your heart thumping and stomach churning as you anticipate matthew's gentle correction.

she's not my girlfriend, but she'll probably want another one or we're just friends, but sure.

"hey," matthew mumbles against your ear, "want another drink?"

you smile through your momentary moment of shock, "yea...thanks."

matthew didn't correct the title of your relationship to him.

your smile widens, and you turn back to amber with a new sparkle in your eyes.

the music is a dull thump in your ears, the bass of the song sending vibrations through your body as you sway with the beat. matthew's hands are all over you, sliding down your curves and spinning you around to dance with him. it feels like your 18 again, getting drunk and dancing your nights away at the alchemy.

you think you've been out here for at least an hour, and your feet are starting to ache - but you don't find yourself to care. you can see some of matthew's teammates dancing on the floor as well, laughing and moving with one another a little bit aways from you both.

you still can't believe how nice and kind everyone of matthew's teammates and their significant others are - you hope you see them more often.

you hope you'll be coming down to toronto during the season to watch matthew play this season - sitting in the WAG box and wearing your friends last name on your back. steph has already (very tipsily) shouted about how she's adding you to their groupchat - the rest of the girls agreeing just as loud.

you feel so at home.

matthew's hand slides down over the round of you ass, squeezing the flesh tightly. you're pulled from you own thoughts at the feeling, blinking hard to regain reality. there's a glimmer in his eyes, sparkling under the blue lights and he smirks.

"I want to kiss you so bad," he says over the music, his words hitting the side of your face as he leans down.

thankfully, matthew's slightly hunched position has him close enough for you to be able to turn your head and speak directly into his ear. "kiss me," you tell him, your lips brushing the shell of his ear as you do so.

the kiss is messy and hot. the flavours of your respective drinks mixing on your tongues as they swirl in a dance of their own. you feel matthew smile into the kiss, which has you grinning as well.

somebody hollers in passing, and when you open your eyes you catch sight of mitch and steph behind you - sending you both grins and thumbs up, clearly the two of them for the cat calling moments before.

the combination of being flustered, the kiss and being surrounded of sweaty moving bodies has enough for you to pull away form matthew, swallowing thickly. "I need a drink."

"m'kay," he hums, "lets go back to our table first? then you can sit for a bit while I get us some drinks?"

you grin, nodding in agreement, matthew grabbing your hand and interlocking your fingers, pulling you through the crowd of people and in the direction to the table.

the table is covered in various picked through appetizers, half empty glasses and bottles. there's a few people still sitting around and socializing- mostly the older guys who don't feel like dancing.

there's somebody there you haven't met, a pretty blonde girl who is chatting happily to pontus holmbergs girlfriend near the end of the table.

matthew sees her too, and immediately he tenses, his hand in yours going limp as his body goes still, eyes wide and face pale.

you frown at him, "hey, what's wrong-"

"matthew?" the girl asks loudly, a grin taking over her perfect face as she bounds over to you both. "I didn't think you'd be here!"

the girl hugs matthew's tense shoulder and then...she kisses his cheek- very close to the side of his plump pair of lips.

you stomach falls along with your face. you pull your hand away from your friends, bringing it back to your side just as the girl turns in your direction, arms still draped over matthew's shoulders.

"i'm hayley," she says, "i'm matthew's friend."

matthew blinks hard, turning to you with an expression of guilt and sadness and fear....and your heart shatters.

she continues, "well, we've like hooked up a few times. is that friends, I don't know," hayley laughs, clearly unaware of the growing tension, "anyways, who are you? I don't think we've met."

matthew opens his mouth to speak, but you don't let him and you cut him off with a closed mouth smile, "just a friend from home."

"cute," hayley hums.

you nod, tears beginning to gather along your waterline. matthew watches you with that same shocked look, eyes bewildered and chest heaving. the walls feel like they are closing in on you, and your throat closes so you can't breath properly.

"I need some air," you say quickly and quitley, your eyes downcast as you turn around, darting through the crowd of the nightclub and to the door - leaving hayley, the team and matthew without another glance.

you begin to cry as soon as you step outside. your stomach is sitting heavy in your belly, weighing you down as your insides crumble with disappointment and heartbreak.

you don't know where you are going, but you start walking down the sidewalk. you didn't know where you were downtown, but you knew you couldn't go back inside and watch hayley hang over the man you love - even worse, you can't watch the way matthew lets her.

"y/n!"

you don't turn around, speeding up your walk. you pull out your phone, opening the uber app. you are already planning on getting a ride to the nearest hotel for the night - you'd get your bags tomorrow.

"y/n!" matthew calls from behind you again, "please, don't walk away."

you ignore him.

you can hear his footsteps on the pavement getting closer, and you bite down on your lips to stop the gut wrenching sob from leaving you.

"please let's just talk." matthew says loudly, "why are you so upset? stop walking away!"

you stop walking quickly and turn around forcefully. matthew takes a step back, closer than you anticipated, and stares at you breathing heavily, his brows pulled together as he sees your tear soaked face.

you huff, "you lied to me matthew."

he cringes at your angry tone and the use of his full name. matthew closes his eyes momentarily and takes a deep breath. "I should've said something sooner, I know, but it's nothing - there's nothing going on."

you laugh exasperated, "but clearly there was! fuck, I thought we had no secrets."

"we don't!" matthew sighs, "I didn't feel like it was important enough to mention."

"not important enough to mention?" you repeat, brows raised in suprise. "did you forget that we are having sex, matthew? god, I let you fuck me without a condom when you've been sleeping with someone else! the first thing you should've done was tell me."

"I didn't want it to get blown up like how it is right now," he seethes, "honestly, this is why I didn't tell you."

you scoff, "don't make this my fault!" you tell him roughly. "I don't care that you hooked up with somebody matthew! it's the fact you never told me - even before we had sex without protection. I told you there was nobody else and you said the same," you sigh gently, "janie said it first, last week she said we should of had an exclusivity talk a long time ago-"

matthew squints, "you told janie about us? what the fuck."

"you lied to me matthew!" you repeat loudly.

his expression falls, and he sighs gently, blue eyes meeting the sidewalk under his shoes.

a beat passes between you.

"you're making me feel guiltier than I already feel," he tells you harshly.

you laugh harshly again, "good! god matthew, I can't fucking believe this right now! bringing me here and introducing me to your teammates. the touches and kisses and looks you've been giving me! what you said in the cab! I thought...." you pause, bringing your lip into your mouth.

matthew's eyes soften, "you thought what?" he asks you gently. when you don't answer right away, he takes a step towards you, hand outstretched like he will reach out and touch you.

you shake your head, laughing dryly as another set of tears spring into action, dampening your cheeks. you take a step away from him, ignoring the frown tugging at his lips and the emotions in his eyes. "I thought nothing, matthew." you turn away, continuing to walk down the street.

"no," matthew says, catching up and grabbing your arm, spinning you back around and keeping you in place, "don't walk away, y/n. we need to talk."

you sigh sadly, eyes closing as you desperately try and keep your tears from falling further. "what are we doing, matthew?"

he frowns deeper at your question, his brows drawing together as he looks down at your heartbroken expression. matthew doesn't know what to say, eyes darting between the two of yours in search of some sort of indication- an answer.

"I can't keep doing this. I can't keep lying to myself that I don't want more with you, because it's fucking me up so badly." you admit quietly, salty tears falling down your cheeks and wetting your mouth. you weren't expecting to say that to him - especially tonight. but you were so tired and distraught, your body was tired of fighting for his sake.

slowly, matthew's expression changed, mouth slightly parted as he breaths deeply. "what did you say?

"nothing," you sigh again, "clearly this arrangement we have doesn't work for us anymore. go back inside with hayley, don't let me stop you anymore."

finally, you walk away from matthew. he calls your name once more, but you don't dare turn to look, keeping your eyes on your phone as you order an uber - leaving your best friend and your heart on the streets of toronto.

Epilogue:

you booked a flight home the next morning. you had to use your entire credit card balance, which you would ultimately suffer for, but you couldn't bring yourself to care.

you cried to entire flight home, starring out the small window quitley as music blasted through your headphones - thinking about your fight with matthew over and over again until you landed back in arizona.

as soon as you got the wifi at the airport, you called janie, crying into your phone as you asked her for a ride home. she picked you up, and immediately you told her what happened with matthew - hiccupping through salty tears and laboured breaths.

you were so devastated.

locking yourself in your bedroom as soon as janie dropped you home, not even making an appearance for dinner. you silenced your phone and cried yourself to exhaustion.

you cringe in the early morning sun, tucked solemnly between your fuzzy blankets - cringing further at how stupid you must look thinking that your best friends love wasn't unrequited anymore - that matthew loved you back.

the thought of seeing matthew again seemed taxing - you couldn't see him. not only had you borderline confessed your feelings for him in the middle of the fight, but your heart got shattered in the process.

the look on his face when you said it - makes your stomach churn at the mere thought.

not only was there that heartbreak to process, there was also the whole thing of matthew having a girl in toronto - one that was well enough associated with him for somebody to feel the need to invite her out to the club.

he had slept with her, and then didn't tell you - he kept it all a secret, and when you asked about it, he lied to your face. matthew fucked you without protection knowing that - and he let you believe there was something more growing between you.

sniffing, you sit up in your bed, falling back against the padded headboard with defeat. your gold plated clock sitting above your desk reads 8:37, a reminder of just how early you'd naturally woken up - tear stained cheeks and headache included.

a knock sounds at your door quietly, pulling you from your pity party and a confused frown begins to tugs at your lips. your parents should be at work already, and janie hadn't mentioned coming over. perhaps your mom was home today, or janie was coming to keep you company - you wouldn't of got the message because your phone was still very much silenced.

"y/n?" the voice is muffled through the door, but you'd recognize the sound of his anywhere. after all, you've been replaying anything he's every said to you over in your mind since freshman year.

"y/n? are you awake?" matthew questions again.

you shoot up out of bed, bare feet padding to the closed door. matthew hears the springs of the mattress through the door as you move and the sound of you shuffling towards him.

you don't say anything but matthew had the conformation you're there and awake - all the conformation he needed that you were alive. you hadn't responded to any of his calls or texts - he's pretty sure he even emailed you, desperate to get you to talk to him.

so like any logical person would, matthew hopped on the next flight to arizona, suitcase still in his car while he knocks on your bedroom door.

"can you please open the door? I need to talk to you." he pleads gently.

your voice is shaky, tears of embarrassment and pain threatening to spill. "about what?"

matthew breaths a sigh of relief at the sound of your voice - although you don't sound like you usually do. you sound sad and tired...and that breaks his heart. he sighs again, and firmly asks again, "open the door."

you find your self hesitating for a moment, hand hovering over the bronze knob as you think about what's to come. maybe matthew wants an apology - your hasty exit from the club and making a scene in the streets was embarrassing for him. or maybe he's here to let you down, tell you that you can still be friends, but he doesn't have feelings - or worse, he can't be friends with you anymore.

the unknown is eating you alive, and with a deep breath, you turn the door handle, pulling open the door that separates you from him.

his face changes into something similar to relief at the sight of you, and you look down to the floor, knawing on your lip as you try to stay calm.

"what are doing here?" you ask. you look back towards his kind face, your brows pulled tight as you take him in.

he doesn't seem angry or upset. if anything he looks nervous...anxious even. you wonder if there's a reason for that, after all, he has cut his own trip short and come home to arizona for this conversation.

"did you mean it?" matthew ignores your question, taking a step closer to you. "what you said?"

he has to be talking about your brief confession outside the nightclub during the fight, you think, and you stomach drops. you knaw your bottom lip, further shredding the soft skin you'd been tugging on all night. you nod your head once, so quick you're not sure if matthew even saw.

but he did see it, and he breaths what seems like a sigh of relief, a very faint grin beginning to make its way onto his face. matthew clears his throat, "I did a shitty thing," he starts quietly, his adam's apple with a nervous swallow, "I lied to you because I was embarrassed. I lied because we're not just friends and we haven't been for a long time."

you mouth drops, heavy breaths falling past your lips. before you can even fathom your response, he continues. "I should've told you about that girl, even if I didn't want to. I only hooked up with hayley because I was trying to forget about my feelings for you. I know we're best friends, but I want to be more. so if you really meant what you said the other night, say it again. let me hear you say it again." he takes a deep breath, and an airy chuckle leaves his lips, "and I know this is a lot before 9 in the morning, but I need to hear you say it."

you swallow, saliva thick with nerves. pushing your messy hair off your face, hands desperately trying to keep busy. you don't know what to think. "is this a joke? are you only saying this to make me feel better?"

his brows draw together and he frowns - fingers itching to reach out and touch you. "I would never joke about what I feel for you."

matthew knies confessed he has feelings for you. everything you've ever wanted, everything you've longed for is about to happen - is happening.

"matty," you breath, "I love you and i've loved you for years...and I know that's more than what I said the other night and I hope it's not too much for you, but-"

he kisses you.

matthew holds you close as he leans down to capture your lips with his own, bottom and top enclosing around yours as he kisses like he always does: perfectly.

a moment later, your lips part and breathlessly, he pulls away, forehead resting against yours as you two catch your laboured breath.

"how long?"

"what?" you question quietly.

"how long have you loved me?" he whispers softly.

"since highschool," you admit.

"god," matthew whispers wondrously with a small smile, "I wish we had this conversation sooner....because i've loved you since freshman year. that's why I never had a girlfriend and that's why I proposed the idea of loosing our virginities to one another. I wanted to loose my virginity to you - and only you since the moment we met."

"you've liked me since highschool?" you ask dumbfounded, your pointer finger gesturing between you. "we were both really oblivious, huh?"

"I thought I was being obvious," matthew admits with a laugh, thumb rubbing along your cheekbone.

you shrug, hand coming up to hold his wrist tightly - keeping him close. "well, I think I was the only one being oblivious- janie knew you had a crush on me."

"damn," he smiles, "janie is smarter than I thought."

you giggle just as matthew leans back in, kissing you with as much force he can manage - and this time, you're sure of it - it was love.

───────── ౨ৎ ─────────

[samoschier]

[2.4k] two pretty brats seduce hot, dominant european man by the pool. (smut)

watch other videos here

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“Here all by yourself?” 

Nico couldn’t help but bite back his grin as he leaned back on his hands, the wet tiles pressing into his palms as he sat on the edge of the pool. But his eyes were glued on you, only a few feet away from him, up to your neck in water as you stared back with such innocent, sweet eyes that he knew better than to trust. Just like he knew better than to trust the boy behind you, chest pressed against your back and mischief gleaming in his eyes. 

“You offering to keep me company?” He asked, his voice a little lower than you expected it to be. “Maybe I want to be here alone.”

“Maybe we can make our company worth your time,” Jack retorted, slowly swimming you both closer. Close enough for Nico to see his hands beneath the water, caressing along your skin and playfully fiddling with the strings of your bikini. 

Nico’s eyes darkened. “Yeah?” 

“Gotta lot of tricks up our sleeves,” Jack answered, his hands gripping your waist hard enough that it would probably bruise tomorrow. You loved it. “She’s got quite a mouth on her. Don’t you, baby?”

You flashed Nico a smirk. “If the incentive is right.” 

Nico’s lips twitched upwards. “Is that so?” 

“Show him, baby,” Jack murmured, his lips ghosting along the skin of your shoulder but his eyes were on Nico. “Show the pretty stranger just what he’s missing out on.” 

Nico swallowed harshly as you placed your hands on his knees, spreading his legs a little wider so you could settle between them. Your eyes gazed up at him, keeping them locked on him for a few moments before you leaned to press a short but sweet kiss just above his knee.

He raised his brows but you just grinned in response. 

“A couple of sweet kisses ain’t gonna tempt me, sweetheart,” he murmured, his voice a low hum against the soft, splashing waves of the rippling pool. “And they aren’t gonna fool me either.” 

Your smile widened. “Maybe I’m a sweet girl.” 

“I’m not inclined to believe that,” Nico mused. “Surely your pretty boy would be enough.” There was a pause as he glanced at Jack, his gaze lingering on his pretty lips and the way his tongue darted out. “Bet he makes you feel good.”

“I’m insatiable,” you retorted, your teeth lightly nipping the skin just below the hem of his shorts. “Maybe I need more than one pretty boy?” 

Nico could feel his dick twitching in his shorts. “Yeah?” 

“Mhm,” you hummed, your hands soothing up and down his thighs until you got bolder, until you pressed your palm against the bulge in his shorts and listened to the way the boy groaned in response.

“Fuck,” Nico moaned, his eyes fluttering shut as you continued to press your palm against him. “I thought I was promised your mouth, baby.” 

You grinned, your fingers hooking along the waistband of his shorts with the intention of pulling them down but the boy on tsked, shaking his head. His actions made you freeze. 

“Didn’t say you deserved my cock just yet,” he mused, lifting one hand to skim his fingers across your cheek before moving to tuck some hair behind your ear.

Your eyes glinted at his words. 

“Earn it.” 

Your eyes never left his, big and round and locked on his expression as your hands moved to hold onto his thighs. You smirked when he hissed as your nails dug into his skin, your arrogance short lived as a small whine left your lips when he tugged on your hair. 

“Don’t be a brat,” he gruffed out, his cock straining in his shorts as you pouted up at him.

“She can’t help it,” Jack commented, one hand trailing up your body until his fingers were lightly clasped around your neck, keeping your pouty face mere inches from Nico’s cock. “She sees a pretty man and a pretty cock and goes a bit stupid.” 

Nico raised his brows. “You think I’m pretty?” 

Jack grinned. “Want me to show you how pretty I think you are?” 

He hummed, pulling his hands away from you and leaning them back against the tiled floor. He knew how he looked, wet shorts clinging to his thighs and his hard cock, droplets of water rolling down his chest, wet hair pushed back from his face. He could see the way your hungry eyes ate him up, desperate to get your hands on him.

But as impatient as you both were, it amused him to no end how obedient you two were trying to be for him. 

It made him want to play with you both. To push your buttons. To toe the line and test your limits until your bratty mouths were biting back, begging and insistent and needy. 

Nico wanted to see you both begging for his cock.

“That depends,” Nico spoke up, biting back the smirk on his lips as both your gazes snapped up to his face. 

“On?” Jack rasped, swallowing harshly. 

Nico’s smile was wolfish. “If you’re going to listen.”

“Yeah,” Jack responded instantly, his voice a little raspy and caught off-guard. 

But it was exactly where Nico wanted him.

“Touch her,” Nico said, his words pointed and direct as he stared at the pretty boy staring back at him. “Make her feel good. Show me what you do with her that leaves her so desperate for more cock.” 

Jack tucked his lip between his teeth, his hands dropping from where they were holding you to disappear under the water. 

Nico would be lying if he said he wasn’t entranced with the scene playing out in front of him. In the way Jack crowded against your back, in the way his head tucked down to press his lips against your ear and whisper something far too low for him to hear. In the way that Nico was so focused on the way your head was tilted to the side, in the way that Jack was starting to trace his lips down the side of your neck that he almost missed the splat of something landing beside him. 

He turned his head, his lips twitching when he saw the fabric of your bikini bottoms lying on the tiles beside him. He wasn’t surprised to turn back and find Jack grinning back at him.

“Couldn’t do anything with those still on,” Jack commented with a casual shrug, like there wasn’t a shit-eating grin on his face. “I need full access.” 

“Yeah?” Nico mused before his eyes snapped back to you, watching the way your lips parted with a needy moan. “Feel good, sweetheart?”

“Mhm,” you nodded, whiny and breathless.

“Good,” he said before squishing your cheeks with one hand. “I thought you were gonna be good for me too, hm? Don’t tell me you can’t concentrate now that he’s touching you.” 

You quickly shook your head, wide eyes staring up at him. “Wanna taste you.” 

“Still gotta work for it, baby,” Nico grinned, pulling his hand away only to let out a groan as you instantly nuzzled your cheek against the bulge in his shorts. “Oh, fuck.” 

The sweet, innocent facade was long gone. There was a desperation in your actions that wasn’t there before, a sort of primal neediness that had you mouthing and moaning against his clothed cock, as though you could taste him through the fabric of his swimming trunks. It was filthy and debauched and Nico had never been so goddamn hard in his life.

Nico let out a shaky breath, watching you continue to kiss and lick and tease his cock. He watched the way you nosed at his bulge, the way you wrapped your lips over the fabric where the head of his cock was. He watched the way your eyes rolled to the back of your head as you pushed further back into Jack, moaning and whining and wanting more of whatever he was doing to you under the surface. 

“You fucking her?” He rasped, his voice low and rough, like his whole body was on edge. 

Jack raised his brows. “Am I allowed?” 

Nico’s lips twitched. “Do you want to fuck her?” 

Jack nodded. 

“Tell me how much you want to fuck her.” 

“So bad,” Jack breathed out, his cheeks flushing a light pink that Nico wanted to see all over his body. “M’so hard, please. She feels so good around my fingers, taking me so well. Please. Just the tip. Promise I’ll be good.” 

“Promise, baby?” 

Jack nodded. “Promise.” 

Nico only nodded back in response. 

It sent a thrill down his spine, watching the way Jack’s movements felt clumsy and flustered as he rushed to push his trunks down enough to slip his cock out. The way Nico could watch the way his arm work, the way he knew he had a hand wrapped around himself as he panted heavily. It felt fucking thrilling to know he was doing it because Nico told him to. 

“Fuck, fuck, fuck,” Jack groaned as he moved closer to you once again, as he had one hand on your hips and the other wrapped around his dick so he could slide right in. 

Nico’s hands sunk into your hair once again, yanking your head back to watch the way your expression faltered as Jack slowly fucked his cock into you. Your eyes were barely able to stay open, a pornographic moan echoing through the room as you finally got what you wanted. 

Or, almost what you wanted. 

“Please,” you whined, blinking your eyes open to look up at him. “More.” 

“You need more, baby?” Nico cooed, his thumb swiping along the apple of your cheek as your body jerked with each thrust from Jack. “One cock not enough for you?” 

You shook your head, the urge to nuzzle your face against his cock again was strong. 

“You gonna let me see those pretty lips around my dick?” Nico continued, something patronising in his voice as he cupped and stroked your face like you weren’t currently squeezing around Jack’s cock. 

“Anything,” you nodded, your mouth parting instantly as Nico pressed two thick fingers into your mouth to rest heavy on your tongue. 

“Since you’ve been such a good girl,” he commented, using his free hand to pull his cock out from the waistband of his shorts—just enough for you to drool at the sight of him. “Hm, such a needy, little slut, huh?” 

“You have—” Jack gasped, his own eyes looking dazed and glossy as he continued to grasp onto your body like a lifeline. “No idea.” 

Nico kept his grip on your hair as he guided you closer, slapping his cock on your tongue before letting you wrap your lips around him. The moan he let out was guttural, grumbling from his chest as you sucked greedily on his tip. 

“Fuck,” he groaned, his fingers pulling your hair a little harder. “Atta girl, baby, got such a perfect mouth. Your pretty boyfriend was right.” 

“Told you so,” Jack choked out, still cocky and arrogant, even when he was close to tittering the edge. “Shit, baby, can’t squeeze me like that if you want me to last. M’gonna—”

“Hm, I didn’t say you could come,” Nico gruffed out, holding your head still until just the tip of him was left in your mouth, unbothered by the whine you let out with a mouthful of his cock. “Thought you were both gonna listen and be good?” 

Jack swallowed. “But I can’t—”

“You can and you will,” Nico said, tilting his head. “Won’t you, baby?” 

A pathetic whimper left his lips as he nodded. 

“Good,” Nico smiled, and something about it sent a rush of pride through Jack. “Maybe next time it’s your pretty mouth I fuck, hm? Bet you would look pretty crying on my cock.”

Jack’s grip on your hips tightened, half the urge to keep his hips snug against yours before he blew his load and the other half wanting to desperately listen to Nico’s words as his praise washed over him. 

“Aw, you’d like that,” Nico mused, making a show of slowly bobbing your head up and down his cock again, until the noises of you swallowing his cock were too loud for Jack to ignore. “Fuck, bet you’d feel just as good as this little slut, huh?” 

You whined, your nails digging into his thighs as you tried to push him further into your mouth. 

“Both so, so good for me,” Nico kept going, something deep in his stomach swirling and tightening as he watched the way you both worked so effortlessly to his words. “Should’ve known when you walked in. Just two brats that needed to be fucked stupid, desperate for some attention.” 

“Shit, shit, shit,” Jack panted, whiny and breathless. 

“That’s it,” Nico groaned, strands of wet hair falling in front of his face as he looked down at you, at the way you nosed the hair at the base of his cock. “Fuck, baby, look at you taking me so well. Like you were made to swallow my cock, huh? Can’t wait to come in that pretty mouth.” 

He groaned when he felt you swallow around him. 

“C’mon, baby,” Nico groaned, fucking your face with a ruthless pace that matched the boy behind you. “Let me give you a taste while your pretty boyfriend comes inside you, yeah? Be good for him. Let him feel you come around his cock.” 

It was a symphony of moans and whines and whimpers, bouncing off the tiles and rippling water. Nico shooting down your throat, tugging your head back enough for some of it to land on your face. Jack whining and moaning and swearing as he came inside you, his cheek plastered to your back as he tried to catch his breath. The way your body shook and tried to ground itself, slumped against Nico as he talked you through it all. 

Your body moved willingly as he cupped your cheeks, swiping his fingers through the mess he left before slowly sliding his fingers back into your mouth. 

“Good girl,” he hummed, watching your eyes fluttered shut and your cheek pressed against his thigh as you sucked on fingers. “Both so good f’me.” 

“Told you we could make our company worth your time,” Jack retorted, blinking his eyes open slowly to look up at Nico and shoot him a boyish grin. 

Nico’s grin was nothing but wolfish and hungry. “Care to keep me company in the changing rooms too?” 

.

[samoschier]

Teach Me | Mackie Samoskevich

summary: when Mackie learns of your struggles he finds a way for you both to win.

request: yes/no

trope: lessons in bed

warnings: sexual themes, p in v, oral (fem receiving), swearing.

word count: 1.76k

authors note: first off kei thanks for helping with this and I’m sorry that I didn’t do it justice. This piece just didn’t click with me tonight but I really wanted to get it out for you all. So thanks for reading as an build the celly up.

Mackie knew that it was wrong.

The way he thought about you as his room went dark each night, how your laugh made him feel. But worse of all how Mackie let out a cheer when he realised that Spencer was being sent to the AHL. Yes all of it was wrong.

But as your boyfriend left you in the state of Florida with Mackie as your next door neighbour, he couldn’t help but feel like the universe was on his side.

You two had grown close, the daily dinners together helped that bond grow. By the end of October Mackie was your favourite person in the state.

So naturally he was the man who eventually heard about the struggles you didn’t want to share with your boyfriend.

Spencer was a great guy, don’t get you wrong. But he was as vanilla as they came, especially when the distance came into play. Phone calls about your days ended in ‘I love yous’ and you knew you should have been happy about it.

Yet you wanted him to tell you how he pictured his hand around his cock being your mouth instead. The two videos you had tried to send Spencer with you wearing nothing in them it only had your boyfriend requesting that you stopped sending those to him.

To say that you were a mess of horny nerves was an understatement “you okay?” Mackie asked snapping his fingers in front of you.

You had taken him up on the offer of going to the gym in your apartment building together, ironically the offer came up minutes after your vibrator decided to stop working “yep.” No you weren’t. Mackie was in his compression shirt and some shorts that left little to the imagination.

His curls stuck to the top of his forehead “you know you can tell me the truth.” Mackie smiled putting his weight down to crouch between your legs as you were still sat on a weight bench.

It made you feel guilty how you enjoyed the way his eyes looked at you “I miss having someone between my legs!” You blurted out quickly slapping your hand over your mouth feeling grateful that nobody else was in the gym.

Mackie’s eye almost popped out of his head “you’re going to need to elaborate f’me princess.” His voice was soft as he pulled your hand away from your face so that he could hear you again.

The gesture calmed your nerves “you promise you won’t judge me?” You were dangerously close to telling him everything at its most unfiltered “I promise.” The hockey player moved to your side joining you on the bench.

You sighed fiddling with the ends of your braid “Spence seems like he’s no longer sexually attractive to me and my vibrator decided to break this morning-” your cheeks reddened as your ramble worsened “did you finish?” Mackie crossed his arms.

“What?”

“Did you finish?”

All you needed to do was shake your head to make him smile “even when I do it’s not the same.” The feeling of someone’s cock in your cunt was truly never going to be replaced by the device that you now swore hated you “do girls like being gone down on?” Mackie’s question was genuine causing you to hold back a laugh “have you never gone down before?” He shook his head staying quiet until it seemed like he had a light bulb go off above his head “I think I have an idea that could help us both.”

You practically followed Mackie downstairs to his apartment like you were a lost dog as you followed him back “what do you say?” His suggestion made sense to you, you got your release and he got the practice.

The environment was safe, you two were comfortable and you both needed this. All signs pointed to yes “what about Spence?” Sure you knew your thoughts about the boy in front of you weren’t pure but you still loved your boyfriend “what he doesn’t know won’t kill him.” Mackie shrugged causing you to nod “let’s do it.”

His room had a similar layout to yours. It smelt of smoke oak and a candle you swore you had given him “you sure you’re okay with this?” Mackie watched as you sat on his bed.

You smiled at his care “c’mere Mackie.” You held your finger up at him motioning for him to come over to you.

The hockey player smirked as your cool fingers ran up the inside of his shirt “shit baby.” The American groaned as he leaned down.

Kissing you was everything he thought it would be. His lips were rough against yours his tongue slide over your lip making you gasp.

He pulled away to look at you “won’t make you wait for this.” Mackie smiled shifting his attention to your leggings “your ass looks so fucking good in these.” He confessed making your cheeks redden “Mackie-” you groaned feeling his hands run up your now bare thighs.

Mackie smirked “tell me what you want?” His lips pressed against your skin making you forget how to speak English “your tongue.” You begged watching as his fingers hooked in your waistband of your panties “where baby?” The boy watched as you grabbed at his sheets.

Your bare cunt faced him making him lick his lips “on my cl-clit.” Your voice was shaky as he wearily ran his tongue over the sensitive nub “fuck!” You groaned almost jumping in the process.

Mackie was quick to pull away as he thought he had done something wrong “go softer,” you pleaded sticking your tongue out in the way you want him to do so. The hockey player nodded repeating his actions with your instructions “right there.” You nearly melted into his mattress as he watched you silently taking that as approval.

His tongue lay flat against your slit “use it like your fingers.” You remembered that you were meant to be teaching him “fuck my pussy.” You instructed him wrapping your fingers in his hair.

You gasped feeling his tongue thrust into your cunt as his nose hit your clit “Jesus Mackie!” You cried feeing his fingers move to your pussy “you liking that baby?” Mackie cooed focusing his tongue on your clit once more.

This allowed him to thrust his fingers at a quicker pace drawing louder noises from your lips “y-yeah.” You nodded bringing your hand to cover your mouth “let me hear you.” The hockey player clicked his tongue as he focused on getting you close.

As your thighs wrapped around his head Mackie couldn’t help but wonder why he hadn’t done this before “I’m gonna come.” You announced not even caring about how quickly you grew close to your high.

Mackie continued to suck at your clit occasionally laying his tongue flat causing you to arch your back “don’t stop.” You begged driving your hips into his face as your body shook letting pleasure wash over you.

The boy didn’t stop his movements until you were pulling his face up to yours “fucking hell,” you mumbled not wasting time to kiss him.

Mackie enjoyed how your release tasted on his tongue “so sweet,” his voice was soft “you’re a good listener.” You were quick to compliment him letting your eyes flash down to the bulge in his shorts.

It seemed that the boy want get all embarrassed but you stopped him “think you deserve a reward.” You mumbled bringing him onto the bed with you.

In that moment he swore he was in heaven. Watching you let his cock go free from his pants only really bringing him back to reality when you let your cunt sink down on his cock “you’re so big.” You were both far too focused on the pleasure that soaked the room to care that he was fucking you raw “oh my god.” Mackie groaned watching you pull your shirt over your head leaving you both naked now.

His eyes stuck to your nipples particularly the one highlighted with a titanium bar “been hiding this beauty.” The hockey player didn’t waste time bringing his lips to it.

Your head fell back as your eyes screwed shut “making me feel so good.” You gasped occasionally hitting your clit against his torso as you rode his cock.

The room began to feel sticky as your hands went to his chest softly running up his abs “you like them baby?” Mackie smiled kissing up your neck as he held back a smirk at your responsiveness.

The two of you had been quiet for the most part as you enjoyed the peace that you got. Softy savouring each and every second of this like there was a small part of you that knew this couldn’t happen again.

A cry left your lips as you brought your hand down to rub your “you feel me in there?” Mackie’s hand pressed against your stomach making you nod “yeah.” Your mouth formed an o.

Now just because Mackie wasn’t used to eating girls out it certainly didn’t mean that he didn’t know that face, you were close.

Which was a good thing because the way your cunt squeezed his cock he was not far behind you “I know baby you can let it go.” The hockey player’s words seemed to let you drop your face into the nook of his neck.

His fingers dug into your hips as you whined finally coming for the second time in the night “oh my god.” Mackie had to held guide your body as it shuddered above him “holy shit!” The boy let out a grunt as your cunt clenched around him causing his cock to throb as he came.

Mack used his fingers to brush your hair out of your face “you okay?” He asked with his chest still heaving as he recovered from his orgasm “never better,” you nodded sending him a smile before you kissed his lips.

12 weeks later

You knew something was off, you hadn’t felt well and all of the possibilities of what could be causing this you had crossed off.

Well all but one. Your period had yet to come and was now eight weeks late.

So there you sat on the floor of your bathroom waiting for the alarm to go off.

It pulled your attention away from your gaze as your alarm went off.

Pregnant

Pregnant

Yet the thing that made you feel worse was that tonight was your first time seeing Spencer since he got sent to the AHL.

[samoschier]

[samoschier]

“Saddlin’ up and it’ll be ride camel rideee”

[samoschier]

skjei gone, pesce gone, noesen gone, teuvo gone, necas still up in the air, i am going to actually lose it

[samoschier]

thinking about nolan moyle x inexperienced!reader🤔

[samoschier]

[samoschier]

࿐ 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐢 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫

mackie samoskevich. nico hischier. nolan moyle. pyotr kochetkov. andrei svechnikov. brady skjei. luke hughes. ethan edwards. dawson mercer. brendan brisson. thomas daskas. conor geekie. matthew tkachuk. johnathan kovacevic.

— will maybe add more. may write for a player not listed upon request!

[samoschier]

✧˖*°࿐ 𝐧𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐲

— venus. 𝐱𝐱. she/her. hockey luvr. 𝐠𝐨 𝐛𝐥𝐮𝐞. certified 𝐦𝐬𝟐𝟓 𝐟𝐚𝐧. 𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐨𝐬. nico hischier 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐦𝐥. slightly 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐲.

this is a mostly sfw blog but there will be nsfw content that will be marked accordingly so for that i ask that 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐝𝐧𝐢.

i kindly ask that you do not repost my account or any of my work on any other platform! this account is meant for tumblr only :)

— 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭…

— 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐢 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫…

banners from @cafekitsune

[samoschier]

GREEN, YELLOW, RED — luke hughes

SUMMARY! in which the reader (who has been been talking to luke) shows up to a traffic light themed party at UMich wearing green (green = single, yellow = talking stage / it’s complicated, red = taken) and he shows up wearing red

INVOLVED! luke x reader 

WARNINGS! 

BEFORE YOU START! i don’t know how the hughes act irl! this is just an imagination!

extra! 

find my masterlist → here!

“Haven’t you been talking to Luke for like almost a year now?” Your roommate asked, as you were deciding between which green top to wear.

“Yeah, so what,” you said, absentmindedly, making a decision to pick the lacy green top over the knitted one. 

“You don’t want to wear yellow or maybe red?”

“Well, Luke and I are only talking and I don’t think it’s that serious so might as well have fun tonight,” you muttered, putting on your black chunky boots on. “I’ll bet that he shows up wearing green tonight too.”

You and your roommate called an Uber and made your way to the house where the frat was throwing tonight. You were already one drink in, just because you had a rule with drinking at frats.

The party was already going when the two of you arrived and you headed into the house to say your hellos. You smiled at a few people on the way up the driveway and as you walked in, your nose scrunched due to the smell of alcohol and sweaty bodies.

Not even five minutes later, you were approached by one of the players on the football team who was also wearing green and the two of you started making friendly conversation.

You guys talked about the basics– major, year, and all that stuff.

“So what’s your major?” He asked.

You leaned in closer to hear him over the thumping music.

“Pharmacy, you?”

“I’m pre-med,” he said, smiling down at you.

“So you not only you’re smart, you’re athletic too,” you said, flirting back. 

“You’re smart as hell, too,” he said back. “Wanna go outside?”

You nodded as you followed him to the back patio where there was barely anyone out there. You stood where your line of vision was towards the inside of the house, clearly visible to the people inside. 

The two of you chatted before you felt the brisk air engulf you and shivers ran down your spine. He clearly noticed and led you back inside where the door opened and walked in a few hockey guys. You held your breath as the boys made their way in, Luke being the last to entered.

Your jaw dropped in surprise when you saw him wearing red.

There was no way the guy you had been talking to for almost a year was in a relationship.

You excused yourself from the conversation and made your way to where your roommate was, whispering in her ear that you were going to call an Uber and head back to your apartment and call it a night.

You smiled at a few hockey boys, passing them as you headed to leave.

“Hey, y/n,” you heard from behind you.

You turned around and saw the football player you had been talking to moments before. 

“If you wanna go study sometime and complain about how hard our classes are, just shoot me a text,” he said, being friendly, connecting your phones together– airdropping your contact to him. 

“I definitely take you up on that offer. Nice meeting ya. I’ll see you tomorrow for P-Chem,” you said cheerfully, glad that you made a new friend tonight. 

You pulled your phone to call an Uber and before you could, you could feel someone standing in front of you.

“What’s u–,” you started, stopping when you saw who was standing in front of you.

Luke.

“Oh, hi,” you said, acting indifferent. 

“Why are you wearing green?” He asked you, his arms crossed over his chest.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were dating someone? Don’t you think how I look now. Talking to a guy who had a girlfriend the whole time. I look so fucking stupid and you’re a fucking idiot. I can’t believe you Luke.”

“What are you talking about, y/n?” Luke asked, looking confused. 

“You’re wearing red, idiot,” you said, taking a jab at his chest. “I’m going to go home and you are not going to talk to me ever again,” you said, getting ready to take off. 

“Y/n, let me explain,” you heard from behind you, chasing after you.

“Explain what? Explain to your girlfriend that you cheated on her you motherfucker. We’ve been sleeping together, talking to each other for almost a fucking year. Didn’t even have the decency to tell me you had a girlfriend.”

“I don’t have another girlfriend,” Luke blurted out.

“Then why are you wearing red? Didn’t get the memo or something?”

“I thought that we were seeing each other and no one else,” Luke tried explaining. “And I equated that to us being together. I thought you were going to wear yellow at the very least,” he said, disappointed. “Are you seeing anyone else? Is that why you’re wearing green?”

You could feel your head spinning.

He didn’t have a another girlfriend. Another? Did he consider you his girlfriend?.

“Luke you never asked me out. How was I supposed to know that we are together?” You questioned, glaring at him. 

“You’re telling me that me not coming to your apartment at least three times a week after practice bringing you food, me sleeping over all the time, me inviting you to literally everything I do– all the small errands I need to run is us still talking?”

“To me, it is,” you responded back. “Guys always do that kind of shit where they act like boyfriends and then when you bring it up, they act all defensive and say that you are acting crazy for even assuming that. I’ve just stopped assuming because of that.”

“Y/n. You’re the only girl I’ve liked like this. I’m sorry I fucked up like this. I’m sorry that I didn’t communicate my feelings towards you. In my eyes, you’re my girlfriend,” Luke said, approaching you, his face littered in apologies.

You gave him a small smile. “And to answer your question, I’m not seeing anyone else. I haven’t been since we started talking,” you said, shugging your shoulders.

“Still wanna go to your apartment?”

“Yes, please,” you said, following Luke to his car.

He opened the door for you and you smiled like an idiot.

“I’m sorry for calling you an idiot by the way,” you said. “I didn’t mean it.”

“It;s okay. I was an idiot,” Luke said, driving to your apartment, stopping by a Taco place that closed late.

“What do you want to get?” He asked you, stepping out of the car to go get some food. 

“The usual, pleaseeee,” you begged. 

After Luke had the tacos and your favorite agua fresca flavor, the two of you headed to the apartment where he followed you inside. You guys made your way into the living room where Luke placed the food on the coffee table and you went into your room to change into some comfy clothes and take off your makeup and contacts.

You grabbed one of Luke’s hockey hoodies and some sweatpants before coming into your bathroom. You took your contacts out and Luke followed you into the bathroom.

“Let me,” he said, grabbing the micellar water and washcloth from your hand.

He lifted you so that you sat on the bathroom counter and he placed himself between your legs.

“Close your eyes, baby,” he said, giving you a small kiss on the lips before shaking the micellar water and putting it on the washcloth. 

He gently started rubbing your face with the washcloth until your face was makeup free. He rinsed out the washcloth before hanging it up to dry.

“You look beautiful, baby,” he said, giving you one more final kiss on the cheek before lifting you and placing you back on the ground.

“Thanks, Luke,” you said, fiddling with your hoodie strings. 

“I’m just gonna change first before we eat,” Luke said, staying in your bedroom as you ventured onto the couch, grabbing the blanket. 

You made yourself comfy before putting on a Criminal Minds episode to watch. 

“You left your glasses on your nightstand,” Luke said, coming to sit besides you, handing you your glasses.

You put them on and he smiled at you.

“What are you smiling at?”

“Just admiring my beautiful girlfriend.”

“Girlfriend, huh,” you questioned.

“You’re my girlfriend and I’m your boyfriend,” Luke said, pulling you into his lap. “You’re not getting rid of me that easily.”

He started playing with your hair as you started chowing down on your tacos. Before you knew it, the tacos were done and you were falling asleep to Luke playing with your hair, occasionally kissing the top of your head. 

The last thing you remember was Luke bringing you to your bed and tucking you in, placing a kiss on your forehead. 

“Goodnight, beautiful.”

WC: 1.5K

[samoschier]

‘tis the damn season // qh43

quinn hughes x fem!reader [4.6k]

summary: after you and quinn run into each other for the first time since the break up, years and years of memories come flooding back, and suddenly you find yourself saying yes to a weekend away with him warnings: angst, fluff, language, kissing a/n: this might be one of my favorite things i've written and i think that's partially because this is one of my favorite taylor songs

Little flurries fall from the gray sky; coating the ground to create a crunch underneath your feet as you walk down the sidewalk.

Your hands are frozen by the time you enter the little coffee shop hidden on the corner of the street, its warmth welcoming you back like an old friend.

The barista smiles as you approach the counter. Your order is quick and simple, and soon enough you're standing off to the side as you wait.

Your head is buried in your phone, looking at the long list of emails from your manager that you’d neglected to answer. 

Then you hear it. His name. Quinn.

Surely it isn’t him. Your head shoots up, and sure enough, he’s standing at the side of the counter. He reaches forward to grab his coffee, thanking the employee before he turns, and then he’s walking towards you.

You're frozen in place, you can’t move. He looks up, eyes locking with yours, and suddenly he’s frozen too.

The last time the two of you had seen each other in person was three years ago, and your departure had been… less than ideal.

“What do you mean you’re moving to New York?” His tone is harsh and accusing. This wasn’t how it was supposed to go.

“Quinn—” You try, but he’s quick to cut you off.

“We live together! How are we supposed to be in a relationship if we’re in different countries?”

He wasn’t listening. “We can do long distance, but my agent—”

“We did long distance, for almost two years and it fucking sucked.” Quinn tries to steady his voice as he swallows the lump in his throat. “We’ve been together for five years, and you’re just going to throw that away?”

Hot tears roll down your face as you let out a frustrated sigh, raking a hand through your hair. “You’re not listening—”

The sound of his voice as he says your name pulls you out of your thoughts. He looks at you expectantly, and you realize that he’s waiting for a response.

“Sorry! I just,” you fumble over your words. “I wasn’t expecting—”

“To see me?” He finishes for you. Quinn looks around at the coffee shop. “Well, this was our favorite coffee shop.”

Our. Not his, not yours, ours. Suddenly there’s an ache in your chest that you’ve felt before, and it returns with such ferocity that it’s almost like it never left. Maybe it never did leave, instead choosing to sit heavily on your heart like a weight you’d simply gotten accustomed too. 

You watch as his wording sinks in, and you know there’s an ache in him too, the same one you had put there all those years ago. 

Quinn smiles and suddenly your chest feels a little lighter. You’d forgotten how much you missed seeing it. “It’s good to see you.”

“Is it?’ You ask, unsure on whether or not you want to hear his answer. After all, you were the one who walked out the door and never came back.

He gives you a look and that confirms it. “Of course it is.”

A beat passes before the two of you start laughing. “I’m sorry, it’s just…” You trail off.

“Awkward?” Quinn offers, raising his brows. Your face reddens, that’s exactly what it was, and you hate that. Quinn was someone you had known since the ripe age of eleven, and at one point he was someone you’d intended on spending the rest of your life with.

But all of that was gone now, you hadn’t spoken in three years, of course it would be awkward. The person in front of you was different from the one you left behind; he still looked the same, smiled the same, but he was different.

Quinn takes your silence as an answer. He opens his mouth, beginning to say something before he stops himself. You can see the fight he’s having with himself, trying to decide if he should say what he wants too.

When he does open his mouth, you’re expecting to hear the words “it was good seeing you, take care,” but instead he says, “do you want to sit down with me?”

You stare at him for a moment, blinking a couple times as if you were unsure that you had heard him right. Suddenly, Quinn isn’t sure he should’ve said that.

“I understand if you don’t wan—”

You’re quick to cut him off, “no, I do! I just, I wasn’t expecting that.”

A beat passed before the two of you began laughing. You forgot how much you lived that sound, Quinn laughing. Once you’ve regained yourself, you start over. “I would love to sit down with you.”

A soft smile graces his face as he makes his way toward an empty table in the corner, and even though so much time has passed, he almost reaches to take your hands on instinct.

After a few minutes of talking, the air of awkwardness has disappeared and for a split second it’s like everything is back to normal. He asks how your parents have been and you ask about his, a ball of guilt forming in your stomach at the lack of communication you’ve had with them over the years.

He tells you about how Jack and Luke are doing, and what it’s like being the captain of an NHL team. You nod and listen, not letting into the fact that you haven’t missed a single Canucks game in years.

It isn’t until your phone dings with a message from your mom that you realize how long you’ve been talking. “Oh wow, I didn’t even realize how late it was.”

You look back up at Quinn, who’s checking his watch. “I’m sorry, I have to go. I’m supposed to be back for dinner.”

“Yeah, no, I get it. We just lost track of time.” He says, following suit as you stand up.

The two of you stand there for a moment, not quite sure what the appropriate goodbye is. Without thinking too hard on it, Quinn pulls you into a hug. You melt into his embrace, only allowing yourself to enjoy it for a couple of seconds before pulling away.

“I really enjoyed talking to you again.” You swallow the lump in your throat. “I’m… I’m glad I got to see you.”

“I’m glad I got to see you too.” Quinn’s voice is soft, matching the small smile on his face.

The ache in your chest almost doubles when you turn your back to him, and before he knows it, you’re walking away from him, again.

He’s not sure what exactly inspires the wave of courage that washes over him, but suddenly he’s calling your name. You barely have a chance to turn around before the words leave Quinn’s mouth.

“Would you want to come to the lake house with me? Just for the weekend?” He realizes it’s a shot in the dark, but he had to try.

You try to control the wave of emotions that roll over you. A part of you is hesitant, but today has reminded you of how much you missed him. Being in his presence hadn’t allowed you to hide those feelings away like you’d been doing for the past couple of years.

So without a second though, you respond. “Yes.”

At dinner that night, you mention to your mom that you would be spending the weekend with a friend, omitting the fact that Quinn was said friend. You knew how she would react.

She had been disappointed when you and Quinn broke up, and you couldn’t have her getting all excited at the fact that you would be spending the weekend with him, alone.

Because then she would start talking about how the two of you should get back together, and you couldn’t have that. Not when you had spent so long burying those same thoughts away.

The drive to the lake house is quiet and familiar. You’re almost scared to speak when Quinn moves his hand, brushing it against yours.

You’re not sure if he did it on purpose, but when he doesn’t move it away, you move yours closer; just ever so slightly so your pinkies are resting on top of each other.

He curls his around yours and you can’t help the smile that appears on your face. You could allow yourself to have this, just this once, just for the weekend and then you would go back to New York after the holidays and he would go back to Vancouver. 

The lake house is a sight for sore eyes. It has you wondering if you’re going to go inside and everything will feel different. But it doesn’t, everything is almost the same. It takes you a second to catch the picture frame on the mantel under the TV. It’s a picture of you and Quinn, one that Jack had taken. 

You’re on the boat, Quinn sitting in the driver's seat with you on his lap, head thrown back and laughing about who knows what. Quinn has his arms wrapped around your waist to keep you from falling backwards, looking at you with as much love and adoration as someone could give.

Quinn’s voice breaks you out of your reminiscing. “I uh, I just never got around to taking it down.”

You shrug, placing the picture frame back down into its spot while hoping that your voice doesn’t break when you speak. “No, I get it.”

Quinn watches silently as you make your way around the house you used to love so much, trying to refamiliarize yourself with it. Nothing’s changed much, from what you can tell. The scratches on the living room floor from the couch being pushed back after some rough housing were still there. The cream colored curtains you picked out hadn’t been changed either. 

Though you hadn’t stepped foot in the house in years, there was still so much of you around, things you had picked out, pictures you were in, you were everywhere. It made you wonder about the other girls he brought here, could they feel your presence?

Could they tell you were still here, in every way except physically? 

The thought of Quinn bringing some other girl here made you sick. You would be stupid to think there hadn’t been others, the two of you had been broken up for three years now. But still, the thought of some girl sleeping in your— his bed, made you sick to your stomach.

This was supposed to be your place, the one he bought when you thought you were going to spend the rest of your lives together. It was intended to be a place you could bring your kids to for weekend getaways or vacations in the summer. But it wasn’t that place anymore, and the fact that it never would be scared the hell out of you.

Turning around, you faced him once again. You didn’t want to know about the girls, if he brought them here, if he didn’t.

No, what you wanted was him. Even if it was just for the weekend, even if you would leave after Christmas and go back to your normal life, without Quinn.

Before you can think too much about it, you’re stepping forward. Closer and closer until you’re stopped right in front of him, lips only inches away from his. 

The air is thick, and tension settles over you like a blanket. You're searching his eyes, for something, anything, but come up empty. When did he become unreadable? 

The mental debate is cut short because suddenly Quinn is leaning down, and then you’re meeting him halfway; your hands reaching up to thread your fingers through his hair. One of his hands is gripping your waist tightly while the other finds the back of your head, pulling you impossibly closer into him.

You feel weak in the knees when his tongue pushes its way into your mouth. The kiss is familiar and has your heart racing a million miles an hour in your chest.

Nothing is said when the two of you finally pull away and heavy breathing fills the silence instead. The two of you stand there for a moment, foreheads pressed together and completely wrapped up in each other's arms.

No words are exchanged, but you both know what this is, an unspoken agreement to each other’s for the weekend, but it ends there. And that was okay, that would have to be okay, because after three years without him, you’d settle for a few days of something rather than nothing. 

Quinn’s the first one to pull away. He stares for a second, and you search his eyes, trying to figure out what’s going through his head. He looks like he wants to say something, and for a second your chest tightens, you think you know what he’s going to say. Quinn has that look on his face, it used to be so easy to read him, but now you’re not so sure anymore.

“I went to one of your concerts.” His face shifts. That wasn’t what he was going to say, but it catches you by surprise regardless. 

“What?”

“I went to one of your concerts,” he says again, more confident in his voice. “About two years ago. You were in Vancouver and I thought why not.”

You know exactly what he’s talking about. You had seen him, although, back then you just thought you were imagining him, that your mind was playing tricks on you. It had been his song you were singing after all; the one you had written for him back when you thought you would get married someday.

“I saw you. But I just thought, I thought I was seeing things.” Was all you managed to say.

“Yeah, I…” Quinn takes a second to clear his throat. “I thought about texting you afterwards, but it just didn’t— I didn’t—”

“No, I get it.” You’re not sure what else to say, or how to say it. But Quinn knows, he understands. Unsaid words had always been easy with him, it almost makes you wonder at what point it hadn’t become easy. At what point in your relationship had the silence you’d grown so fond of become heavy and suffocating?

No other words are exchanged after that. You pull away from Quinn completely and your heart aches in the absence of his warmth. He drops your hand before moving to pick up the bags you had packed and bringing them to the bedroom you used to share.

The rest of the day got easier as it went along. Neither of you talked about the kiss, because you knew talking about it would open a whole other can of worms, and you weren’t ready for that, not yet at least. Instead, the two of you spent the rest of the evening just talking.

Quinn had always been so easy to talk to, he was always content to be the listener, just happy to hear the sound of your voice, and that hadn’t changed. It was nice to be able to catch up, really catch up; a lot had happened in the three years that you had been missing from each other’s lives.

Quinn had gotten named captain, which you were still sad you missed, you had almost sent him a congratulations text the night it was announced, but felt it was inappropriate.

Your career had really taken off, Quinn loved hearing about all your favorite moments on tour and he hadn’t been shy in letting you know that he listened to all of your songs. 

When it came time to go to sleep, you weren’t entirely sure what was going to happen, but it was almost like Quinn read your mind with the way he took hold of your hand and dragged you to the bedroom you used to share. Your heart pounded so loud in your chest that you were positive he could hear it when he laid down, the feeling of him lying next to you was almost dizzying. 

A sigh of relief escapes your throat when you wake up with his arms around you. It wasn’t a dream, this was real. This was real. For a second, you think about reaching for your phone to check the time, but you don’t, it was almost as if you were scared that Quinn would disappear if you couldn’t feel him.

So instead, you choose to settle your head back onto his chest, eyes falling shut once again while listening to the rhythmic thumping of his heart.

By the time you wake up again, you realize that you’ve slept half the day away. Quinn’s already staring at you when you tilt your head up to look at him, he’s silent as he reaches a hand up to brush your hair out of your face. 

You’re first to break the silence. “We should probably get up.”

“Do we really?” He asks and you give him a look, one that Quinn recognizes easily. He sighs, “yeah, okay.”

He lets you drag him out of the bed, but you two go your separate ways as you walk toward the bathroom and he goes toward the kitchen. By the time you’ve showered and changed, Quinn has breakfast –or brunch more like it– ready. 

Quinn hands you a mug, filled to the brim with coffee, and you can’t help but smile through the ache in your chest at the sight of it. It was your mug, the one you bought the first time you and Quinn ever spent summer at the lakehouse. It had been from some little gift shop you had found while out walking around. 

A pang hit your chest at the realization that you had forgotten about it. You manage a smile. “Thank you.”

He returns the grin, and the two of you sit down to eat.

The rest of the day is spent walking around and visiting all the little shops you had missed so dearly. At some point, Quinn had grabbed onto your hand. It caught you off guard at first and for a moment you were unsure if he did it on purpose, but then he didn’t, and you let yourself relax.

His grip around your hand tightened, like he was trying to ground himself, like he was scared that if he let go, you’d leave, again.

Part of it scares you, the way it’s so easy to slip back into old habits, but the other part of you is relieved, and the burden resting like a weight on your chest that you had grown so accustomed to lightens.

You ignore the way everything reminds you of what made you fall in love with Quinn in the first place, instead choosing to focus on the now, on the time you would get to have with him.

On your way home, Quinn stops at what used to be one of your favorite take out restaurants before the two of you are cuddling up together on the couch to eat it. Surprise overcomes you as the opening credits of the movie he picked out to begin to play. 

“I thought you hated this movie!” Your tone is accusatory as Quinn tries to hide the smile on his face. “You always complained every time I asked to watch it.”

“Maybe I just like giving you a hard time.” He replies. Quinn did hate the movie, but after the two of you broke up, he found himself putting it on the TV whenever he started missing you a little too much. 

You rolled your eyes. “I’ll have to keep that in mind.” He smiles as you turn away from him, eyes focusing on the screen in front of you.

Your food is finished about thirty minutes into the movie, and somewhere along the way you adjust to rest your head on Quinn’s shoulder. He takes this as a sign to pull you closer into his side, unable to help the way he almost melts into you at the feeling of your body pressed against his.

After a few more minutes, Quinn places his hand on your thigh, gently brushing his hand up and down. Your breath hitches in your throat when it drifts a little too high, and you can feel his gaze against the side of your face.

When you turn to look at him, he takes a minute to stare. For a second, you almost feel self conscious with the way his eyes glaze over you, but then he’s pulling you into a kiss. It’s brief before he breaks away, taking the chance to pull your leg over his lap so you’re straddling him.

Quinn wastes no time in pressing his mouth to yours, and it makes you smile against him, the way you’re making out like two teenagers who can’t keep their hands off of each other. His hands slide down to grip your ass, holding you firmly in place.

You can feel him smile, but you don’t think much of it until suddenly he’s standing up from the couch. Instinctively, your legs wrap around his waist and he carries you off to the bedroom as 27 Dresses plays in the background, long forgotten.

The next two days are spent almost the same, driving around, laying in bed, enjoying each other's company; you’re thankful for anything to use as a distraction, it’s better than having to think about the fact that this time tomorrow, you’ll be on your way back to your parents house. 

Then after that, you’ll be back to New York, with no one but your so-called friends who don’t really know you; the ones who are friends with you for the convenience of it. And you’ll be resigned to think about how Quinn’s doing as the ache on your heart, put there by no one other than yourself, weighs you down once again.

The feeling you wake up with is dreadful and your chest hurts at the sound of Quinn’s heart beat against your ear. You can’t help the tears that escape your eyes and roll down the side of your face. It had been so long since you cried over him that at one point you thought you were all out of tears. 

You stay lying against his chest for what feels like hours until he finally wakes up, tears all dried up by that point. The air in the room is different though, and he can feel it too. He reaches up to run his fingers through your hair and you’re almost too scared to look at him. 

You’re unsure of how long the two of you stay like that, but eventually you bring yourself to look at him. You hold eye contact and the look on his face makes you regret it. Don’t. You want to say. Don’t ask me to stay and I won’t ask you to wait. 

Quinn opens his mouth to speak, hesitating for a moment. You can tell when he finally works up the courage to say what he’s been wanting too, but you cut him off before he gets the chance.

“Don’t.” The word comes out harsher than you meant it too, and you can see the look in Quinn’s eyes.

“Don’t what?” He asks as if he doesn’t know what you’re referring to.

You avoid the question. “We have this whole day left, don’t ruin it now.”

Quinn pulls away from you completely, causing you both to sit up in the bed. You make eye contact and you know what he wants. He wants you to say it. “Don’t ruin it by what?”

“By asking me to stay.” Your heart was in your throat. There was no point in dancing around it, you couldn’t, not now, no matter how much you wanted to. Quinn scoffed, jaw clenching tightly as he stood up from the bed, and away from you. 

You shake your head at him, suddenly it felt like you were three years younger, eyes shining with tears as you begged him not to do this. Now you’re standing up too, the bed in the middle leaving you on opposite sides in more ways than one, again.

“You knew what this was.” You try to steady your voice as it trembles. “You knew what this was when you asked me to come here.”

Your voice raises slightly as Quinn looks everywhere but you. “We both knew that this was just for the weekend—”

Finally, Quinn brings himself to speak. “I don’t want just a weekend with you, I want a life!”

His outburst leaves you stunned. I want a life. He waits for you to say something, but is met with silence. I want a life. You’re frozen in place, watching as he rounds the bed, completely unsure of what’s about to happen. Quinn pushes past you, leaving you to look at his back as he yanks open the top drawer of the nightstand.

When he finally turns around, it makes it clear what he’s holding, a black velvet box. Your eyes widen, breath catching in your throat when he opens it. Quinn sets it on the bed, and you can’t bring yourself to stop staring at the diamond ring.

It isn’t until he steps forward taking your face in his hands that you look at him. “You are the only person I have ever wanted to be with, to have a life with. I don’t care what it takes, I’ll put in a trade request if I have too— but I want you to come back to Vancouver with me.”

Tears spring from your eyes, and he uses his thumbs to wipe them away from your cheeks. You want to say yes, you so badly want to say yes. But you’re scared. “Quinn—”

He can see your hesitation. “I’ve been carrying that box around since we were nineteen.”

You’re caught off guard yet again. “What?”

“I bought it the second I signed my contract.” Quinn explains. “You are all I have ever wanted and I’ve known that since we were eleven and I saw you for the first time, chasing your brother around outside with his own hockey stick.”

A laugh escapes your throat, it's an ugly one, mixed with a sob, but it makes Quinn smile anyways. It’s silent for a moment, and Quinn watches you with a bated breath as your mind goes what feels like a million miles an hour. 

His words echo in your head. I’ll put in a trade request if I have too. That’s almost all it takes for you to make up your mind. Placing your hands on either side of his face you pull him in for a kiss, hoping that’ll get your answer across better than words. 

His hands grip your waist and you cart your fingers through his hair, tugging on the ends gently. You’re finally able to get your words out when the two of you pull away. “No—”

Quinn’s face falls and you cringe at the sudden realization of what you said. “No, you don’t need to put in a trade request. I want to go back to Vancouver with you.”

His grin is wide, one of the biggest smiles you’ve seen from him in a long time, and it makes you grin too. Quinn kisses you again before pulling you into a hug. “Fuck, I love you.”

“I love you too.” Your voice is muffled by his shoulder, but he hears it anyway, and for the first time in years, the ache in your chest is gone.

a/n: the way this has been sitting in my drafts for four months unfinished and then i suddenly got a burst of inspiration at ten o’clock at night

[samoschier]

Annual Christmas party- M. Samoskevich

Mackie Samoskevich x fem! Reader

In which your fiancé fucks you in the bathroom during the family Christmas party

Warnings?; SMUT; unprotected sex(use protection!), p i v, bathroom sex, cursing, pet names, kissing, a bit of dirty talk, lightly proofread so I apologize for any errors!

Day 6 of my ficmas celebration!

Your head snapped towards the door at the sound of the doorknob moving, “one second! I’m just washing my hands.” You called assuming it was one of your soon to be in-laws.

However when the door slid open and your fiancée slid inside you were a tad bit confused.

“What’s wrong?” You asked, using the hand towel hanging on the wall to dry your hands.

The man didn’t reply to your question though, and just as you went to issue another question-his body was surging forward and pulling you into a kiss.

It was rushed and messy, your body stumbling backwards from the force of his lips.

“Mm, mackie-wait, everyone’s downstairs.” You whimpered as his lips began to trial down your throat.

“I know.”

“You know? Mack we can’t, not here.” You spoke, a hand slipping into his hair to pull him out of your neck.

“Baby c’mon everyone’s to drunk to even notice us being gone, we can be quick.” He whined, trying to pull you into another kiss but the ringed hand you placed on his chest stopped him.

“Matthew” you spoke more stern this time.

“Y/n” he mocked.

“We are not having sex in your mother’s bathroom because you can’t keep it in your pants.”

“Baby please, I’ll be quick I promise.” He spoke, giving you the best puppy eyes he could muster up.

You took his plead into consideration, was there a chance of you being caught? Yes. But had the entirety of the samoskevich family had a hefty amount of spiked egg nog? Yes.

“Fine, but we have to be quick.” You spoke.

Mackie didn’t even care to give you a proper reply, he just surged forward and wrapped you in his arms, quickly placing you on top of the sink.

His lips locked with yours in another desperate kiss, his mouth swallowing the whimpers escaping your mouth as his hands began to make their way between your legs.

His large fingers pushed your panties to the side as he ran the tip of his fingers through your folds to gather some of your slickness on his digit.

“Don’t tease Mack, we don’t have time.” You whimpered.

With a nod the boy quickly unbuckled his belt and pulled his dress pants down just enough for his swollen cock to spring out, its head red and glistening with his precum.

He pulled you closer to the edge, legs wrapped around his waist as he jerked himself a few times before slipping inside your warm walls.

Your mouth dropped open in a silent scream as he filled you to the halt, his tip hitting the most sensitive spot inside you perfectly.

“F-fuck Mackie.” You cried lowly.

He grounded his hips into yours, moving at a pace that was quick enough to make you cover your mouth to muffle your noises but slow enough to keep the sounds of slapping skin down.

“So good for me baby.” He groaned, head tucking into the crook of your neck as his hands gripped your thighs.

You hands came up to tangle into his dark curls, pulling on the dark stands just how he liked-yearning you a low cry from him.

Mackie’s lips brushed soft kisses against the base of your throat, his tongue slightly slipping out to run along the hot skin.

“Shit, I’m getting close Mack.” You cried as you felt the knot in your lower stomach getting tighter and tighter as he continued to fuck you deep.

“Me to baby, almost there.” He moaned, slipping one of his hands between your thighs to rub desperate circles over your clit.

You could feel your legs begin to tremble at the added pressure on your clit, your hands shook as they came up to grip onto his broad shoulders.

A deep whimper left mackie as he felt you clenching around him, hugging him so tight.

“I-I’m coming Mack, shit!” You whined pulling him into a sloppy kiss to attempt to quiet the cries of your orgasm.

Your body shook against Mackie’s as heat spread through your body like a wildfire, cried getting louder as he continued to fuck you through your high.

“Fuck baby, I’m almost there” the boy whimpered as he pulled back from your lips.

His hands took place on your thighs as he sped up his thrusts, fucking into you at an unforgiving pace-chasing the high he desperately needed.

You slapped a hand over Mackie’s mouth as his climax hit him, his head thrown back as his nails dug crescent moons into your skin, and his large body shook in pleasure between your legs.

You both took a second to catch your breath before Mackie was pulling out with a wince and sliding your panties back into place before he fixed himself.

“I can’t believe we just did that.” You laughed as you stood on shaky legs.

“It was fun though.” He giggled as he pulled you into a sweet kiss.

Unlocking the door after you both fixed your appearances in the mirror he guided you back downstairs to rejoin his, and your soon to be family in the living room.

“Wait..when did you guys leave?.” Maddy asked, looking at the two of you like you had just teleported.

“We went eat some pie in the kitchen.” Mackie laughed at his sister, shooting you a sneaky wink.



[samoschier]

can I be close to you?

summary: after meeting you, he starts seeing you everywhere. while at first he's not so sure, quinn grows to enjoy your company, despite his demanding schedule in a city that demands a lot from him.

warnings: slow burn, neighbour!reader x quinn, neighbours to friends to lovers??, reader has really good friends, lots of pining if you're into that

word count: 7.4k

He always says that he lives half of his life on the ice, and since joining the NHL, it couldn’t be more true. Quinn was busy, really busy. Fitting, he thought, because Vancouver was busy too. A busy city, full of busy people, doing busy things to keep themselves, well- busy.

If he wasn’t enjoying himself so much, he’d miss Michigan deeply. (And on hard days he did.)

Three years in, Vancouver didn’t seem so bad. He knew a few spots around town he liked and could cycle through without too much hassle from fans and the like. He settled into a comfortable apartment close enough to work, and while it was a high-rise with over 300 units, he rarely saw anyone else. Not in the elevator, not in the gym, and certainly no one on his own floor. It both concerned and delighted him- because that was the other thing about Vancouver; it was nosy.

So you can imagine his surprise when the elevator stops at the ground floor when he's coming home one night.

He's coming up from the lower parking levels, and it's a long way up, so he's on his phone when the elevator stops short. The elevator ride is so smooth that he barely notices it stop until the door opens and you step in, turn around, and scan your key-fob. He watches you, face turned down towards his phone, as you reach out to press a button, hesitating when you notice that it is already lit. His floor.

Maybe it's because in the entire first year he was living in the building, he had never seen another soul. 

Maybe it was the way your perfume filled the elevator- fresh and sweet.

Or maybe it was the way you covered your mouth with the back of your hand when you yawned.

He stared at you, trying to be subtle, not letting his eyes settle on anything for too long. His eyes narrowed, the more he thought about you coming to the same floor as him. There were 52 floors in the building, he thought. What are the odds that you would be on the same one as him? 

Did you know who he was? Were you some crazy superfan? Stalker? Would he have to move, sell the apartment? No, he shouldn't have to do that. Restraining order? Dozens of possibilities flipped through his mind as he leaned against the back wall of the elevator, making sure you exited the elevator first. 

And you did. You stepped out and turned left.

With a blank look just shy of a frown, he shuffles out of the elevator and sees you make your way down the hall, his apartment door in sight. He watched you start digging through your purse midway, checking over your shoulder at him cautiously as you did. He tried to walk slowly but if he gave you any more time he'd be standing still, and that would be much creepier, he thought.

When Quinn reached his front door, the corner unit at the end of the hall, you had just managed to pull out your keys. For something so full and tangled with keychains it took you a while to find, he thought to himself, pulling out his own with ease.

"Goodnight." he heard you say over his shoulder. When he turned to reply, your door had already softly shut with a click of the lock.

He felt a little rude not saying anything, but you couldn't have expected a response if you had shut the door, right? 

Thinking he would probably never see you again anyways, Quinn decided not to give you any more thought and put his concerns to rest.

.

.

. 

The next time he saw you was maybe a month later, but still sooner than he would have liked. Ironically, this time you were both leaving your apartments. 

He was moving his work bag through the door and turned around to lock up when he heard another open behind him. 

"Oh!” You seemed just as surprised to see him, and he tensed when he realized it was you, fumbling in closing and locking his door, “You again." 

"'Morning," he greeted you politely with a nod of his head. You may have beat the stalker allegations in his head, but that didn’t mean he wanted to see you.

With a turn of his body so as not to bump into you, he walked by you with his black duffel bag. Behind him, he could hear the chains of your key charms clash as you locked your door, and then the patter of your feet against the hallway carpet as you trailed behind him to the elevator.

"Good morning," you replied once you met him in front of the elevator. He nodded again, acknowledging you. He looked up at the little digital screen above the door, watching the number rise with the elevator. Did the elevator always take this long? It would be a long way down, too... His leg began to bounce a little, and he was lost in his thoughts when you introduced yourself. 

"Quinn," he turned his head to look at you, before watching the elevator climb again. It was his first good look at you. 

You were cute, to say the least. He pressed his lips together when you reached up to rub the sleep out of your eyes, trying to keep himself from chuckling. And you smelled nice, he knew that. The chime of the elevator arriving at your floor finally sounded, and he faced forward again, letting you enter first. You pressed the ground floor; he pressed parking level 2. The ride down was silent for the most part. He was thankful for that.

"Well, it was nice meeting you, Quinn," you said when you had reached the ground level, "Have a good day." 

"Yeah, see you around," he said, and wondered why he did, because really, he hoped he didn’t. 

.

.

.

“No fuckin’ way you meant to do that.” J.T. Miller’s voice was loud and clear over the noise in the busy pool hall. If Quinn didn’t know any better, he’d think J.T. was trying to get recognized. He glanced around. No one seemed to pay their rowdy group any mind, all immersed in their own games. His friends and teammates were laughing about Demko’s last pool fluke as he looked around the place. “Demmers, you don’t even score on the ice.”

“I’m the goalie, Mills,” Thatcher cried out in exasperation, laughing all the same.

“You all right, Huggy?” Conor Garland tapped his beer to Quinn’s, getting his attention. While he usually kept it neutral, something must have changed in his face when he thought he saw you, five tables down. “You see something you like…?” Garland trailed off, following his line of sight. Quinn cursed Conor for being so attentive and thanked him for not chirping him out to the group right away.

They watched you lean over the table to line up a shot, and Quinn looked away for a moment, feeling like he shouldn’t be looking at you like that. From where they were, he couldn’t tell if it was a good rip or not. Based on your reaction he couldn’t tell either, since you were smiling before and after the shot.

“I think that’s my neighbor,” Quinn told Conor.

“I think your neighbor’s got ass.” They looked over to see Boeser leaning on his cue stick, not realizing he was part of the conversation. Quinn gave him a weird look but couldn’t keep from laughing at the random commentary. He’s not sure what he was thinking when he looked over at you again, eyes trailing down when you bent over the pool table again. He wasn’t sure what he was thinking when he did it five minutes later, either.

He must have done it one too many times, because you had looked up from across the table, and the next time he looked over at you, his eyes met yours. Yours had widened when you seemed to place him in your memory, and you smiled at him, warm and bright. Five beers down, he couldn’t stop himself from smiling back.

.

.

.

The last time he saw you, he was the one with alcohol flowing through him. This time, he was coming back from a late-night run when he saw you stumbling out of a car in front of your building. He wasn’t sure where the strength in his legs came from when he jogged the rest of the way to the front door. Sure enough, he met you waiting at the elevator.

“Yeah, I’m home.” You were on the phone. “Mhm, just waiting for the elevator.” You noticed him and with a big smile, whispered, “Hi!”

Quinn brought his hand up in a lazy wave, not wanting to interrupt your phone call. The elevator arrives and you both step in. He selects the floor for the both of you, and you let him.

“Just a guy in my building- my neighbor actually,” you say as if he’s not right there, the only other person in the elevator. He wants to laugh but he doesn’t, finding this inebriated personality amusing. “I don’t know if he’s cute.” You say in a lower voice, turning away from him. He remains facing forward, biting his lip to stop himself from laughing at you and your tight grip on the elevator railing. He can feel your eyes on him.

The elevator chimes and to his surprise, you bolt through the doors once they open. What’s more surprising is how quickly you’re able to get a hold of your keys and get your door unlocked, compared to yourself sober. As he walks past your closing door to his own, he hears you giggling.

“He’s cute.”

.

.

.

In Michigan, he knew all his neighbors- he was in college, it was the college town, and he was probably over at theirs for a party at least once and vice versa. In Toronto, he knew his neighbors on both sides and across the street. Vancouver just wasn’t like that, at least not Downtown Vancouver. 

Some of his teammates bought houses in the suburbs and he knew that neighborly courtesy was not completely lost in the city. Not long ago, Conor was telling him about going over to his neighbors for dinner with his wife after he helped them fix their shed up. “That’s real nice of you,” Quinn had told him.

And that’s how he found himself in your apartment for the first time. 

You were honestly just lucky he happened to have a rest day. He wouldn’t have been home at 2 in the afternoon otherwise, and your knocks at his door would have gone unanswered. He looked through the peephole and saw you, tugging at the sleeve of your hoodie. He couldn’t think of anything he did wrong- he didn’t throw parties, he didn’t blast music, he was barely home out of the 24 hours in a day. It was his day off, and it certainly crossed his mind to just pretend he wasn’t home.

“Hello?” It came out more of a question than he meant it to, but you didn’t seem to take any offence, “Everything ok?”

“Hi.” The last time you saw him you were drunk. You knew that. What you didn’t know was whether you had made a fool of yourself. But that was almost a month ago- he couldn’t hold that against you, right? 

You push through the embarrassment in your head, “Yes, um, I have this package downstairs and it was supposed to be delivered up here, but the guy just left it downstairs and it’s kind of a lot and I was wondering if maybe you could help me bring it up?” You managed to get the gist of it out, “You can say no,” you added quickly, “it’s the weekend, I would totally understand.” 

“Sure,” he said, speaking before his brain could catch up.  

“Sure?” you echoed.

“Yeah, sure.” He grabbed his keys and locked up. 

“Oh- ok, thank you. Thank you so much, Quinn.” It was almost like you didn’t think he would say yes. 

“Don’t mention it,” he shrugs, following you to the elevators.

“My friends were supposed to come over today to help but they bailed,” you explained, though he didn’t ask, “And uh, the building wants it out of the mail room ASAP.” 

When you arrived at the common mail area, he realized why. There were maybe nine large boxes taking up the majority of the open space. His eyes widened and he let out a low whistle, “Yeah, I can see why.” 

You smiled sheepishly, and were about to tell him that he could still say no, when he picked one up. You had to hold your jaw from dropping. The tracking information said each box weighed at least 90kg, but picked them up without difficulty. 

“Oh, it’s not too bad,” he said, “what are in these? Anything fragile?” 

Your eyes traced every curve of muscle along his arms. You had never noticed it before, and you had to swallow the drool pooling in your mouth back after he took off his sweater. He was ripped, and it wasn’t just for show, he was strong too. It was never so apparent until now. With both hands preoccupied, he was trying to shake the curls, which had grown out a lot since you had first met, out of his face. You were definitely blushing now. 

“They make a couch,” you tell him, shaking the thoughts from your head, “I was just thinking we could just push them. Don’t hurt your back.” You start to push one box towards the elevators while he walks carrying his. 

“Do you need help putting it together?” He wanted to kick himself. It’s his rest day, why would he say that? It’s the neighbourly thing to do, a voice in his head says. The door opens to your floor and he makes his way towards your apartment.

“No, I should be good!” You huff from behind him, “just need a hand getting it in!” You’re out of breath and it’s funny to him. 

After the second run he suggests you start building and he can bring the rest himself. You’re hesitant to agree, but it’s a better strategy, so you hand him your keys. 

They have a ridiculous weight to them, with all the keychains attached. He rotates it in his hand, looking at the different ones on the way down. There’s a variety of animals and characters, some old and dirty, or missing ears or arms. He shoves it in his pocket before picking up another box. 

You were right that you didn’t need his help building it. It was a modular couch, with very little assembly required. A neutral color that looked good in your apartment. Your apartment was a lot different than his. A long narrow hall for your entryway, but it opened up to a big space, facing west. You had as good a view as he did, though. 

He was sitting on your new couch, after having unboxed and added the last section when the doorbell rang. He looked at you, and you all but ran to the door.

“I ordered pizza,” you said when you returned, two boxes in hand, “Can you believe the pizza guy could make it up here but whoever delivered this couch couldn’t?” You shared a laugh, and he checked his watch for the time, thinking to decline, but his stomach was telling him it was time to eat. You were at your kitchen island, pouring yourself a glass of something. 

“Thank you so much, Quinn, really,” you said one box in hand and your glass in the other, “You’re welcome to stay, but I’ve already taken so much of your time. This box is for you. You can take it home, you must have stuff to do this evening. You deserve it.” 

In the end, he took the box and went on his way, not wanting to overstay his welcome. Once home, he immediately opened the box and grabbed a slice, and he was on his second one when he noticed the writing on the underside of the lid:

Thanks for your help today :)

I owe you one. 

For when you want to cash it in: 

604 - 443 - 8866

.

.

. 

He didn’t plan on ever taking you up on that IOU, not even when he forgot his parents were flying in, and he hadn’t made arrangements, which was why he was at the nearby grocery store, grabbing flowers for his mom. He didn’t think about asking you until he saw you there, and at that point he was in a rush to get to the airport. 

You were in the baked goods section when Quinn passed by you, on a bee-line to the flower stand inside the supermarket. It seemed like he grabbed the first bouquet he saw and then went right to self checkout. 

And then he was gone.

You wondered who he was buying them for. He looked like he was in a rush. Was he in trouble with his girlfriend? You wondered. Did he have a girlfriend? If he did, he’d have had her over at least once, right? Not liking the way you felt thinking about it, you decided to check out and head home. It was none of your business anyways. 

It wasn’t until you got home that you realized you forgot to buy bread.

.

“Oh my gosh, you have a crush on your neighbour,” your friend squealed, and you shushed her even though you felt giddy, too. “It’s not like he can hear us!” she giggled.

“I don’t know,” you pulled the hem of your t-shirt over your tucked knees. You sat across from each other on the couch Quinn had helped you with. “I don’t even really know him.” 

“Isn’t that what crushes are? Liking what you know about them, letting your imagination fill in the rest,” she says, wiggling her eyebrows. You see an idea light the bulb behind her eyes before she grins, “What does he look like? Do you have a photo?”

“No, I don’t have a photo of my neighbour,” you laugh, shaking your head at her, in a ‘why would you even ask that’ type of way.

She shrugs, “Seems like you spend a lot of time with him.” 

“I don’t spend time with him,” you amended the record, “I just happen to see him, like, everywhere. Remember Soho? He was there at the pool hall that night.” 

“No way, did you say hi?”

“No, we weren’t like that. We aren't like that.”

“Did he say hi?”

“No, why would he?” 

“Did you want him to?” Her smile turned shit-eating, as if she caught you in your feelings red-handed. 

“Mmm, not at the time, no,” You said slowly after thinking about it. It was a fun night out with your friends, in fact, you had almost forgotten what he looked like at that point. 

“What about now?” she prodded.

“Doesn’t matter now,” you said, hoping to put an end to her digging open the superficial wound in your heart, “I saw him buying flowers this morning.” 

“Okay, and…?” 

“And doesn’t that mean he has a girlfriend?” You say as if it’s the most obvious thing in the world.

Your friend rolls her eyes and deadpans when she says your name. “In what world does that mean he has a girlfriend? He could be going to a funeral, or buying them for himself! Don’t step on your own feelings and assume he’s in a relationship just because you saw him buying flowers in a Whole Foods.” 

“Didn’t seem like he was going to a funeral,” you try to support your statements, but it's measly and doesn’t sound good enough for you, either. 

“Now if you saw him with another girl, it’d be different. But just ‘cause they like wearing rings, doesn’t mean they’re married.” she concluded, and with no rebuttal, she asked again, “So what’s he like?” 

The wonderfully giddy femininity of talking about a new-found love filled the air. 

.

You must have been manifesting him with all your thinking, because you had seen him every day this weekend, which was more than you had seen of him in the last three months since he had helped you out. Since you came to terms with your crush on him, he was on your mind way too much for a guy you had barely met.

You had decided not to remain cooped up with your thoughts all day, and were almost to the elevators when you heard the chime; it had just arrived on your floor. 

Out stepped an older couple, and behind them, Quinn. He looked a little alarmed to see you, but guided his parents in your direction, or at least, towards his apartment. Thinking you would brush past each other, you smiled politely and pressed yourself against one side of the hall. To your surprise, Quinn stopped them to introduce you. 

“She’s my neighbour, like right next door.” 

“H-Hi,” you say as brightly as possible, not expecting to meet anyone. 

"These are my folks," he said, and you found the pride in his voice incredibly attractive. You had to swallow it back.

“Hi dear, I’m Ellen,” his mom shook your hand warmly, “and this is my husband, Jim.” His dad reached out to do the same.

“Our boy hasn’t been causing you any trouble, has he?” He put a hand on Quinn’s shoulder. While it seemed like he was joking, his voice held a certain tone of authority. It felt like if you were to say Quinn stepped a toe out of line he would still be in trouble with his old man somehow.

You laughed it off, “No, not at all. I might be more trouble than him. Quinn’s been a great neighbor, really great.” 

“You pay her to say that?” Quinn’s dad nudged him, which made everyone laugh again. 

“They’ll be in town visiting for a bit, they’re staying at the JW,” Quinn explained. 

“They’re not staying with you?” You asked. The JW wasn’t far, maybe at the end of the next block, but you were pretty sure Quinn had a two bedroom. (You actually had viewed his flat before settling on yours, the corner unit being just outside your budget.)

“That’s what I said!” Quinn’s mom swatted his shoulder playfully, as if to say ‘I told you so.’

“Oh, El, let the boy have his space,” Quinn’s dad took her hand and began to lead her down the hall. 

“Sorry about that,” Quinn said quietly to you, hand scratching the back of his head bashfully. He pressed the elevator button for you before following after his parents, his arms wrapping around both their shoulders as they walked down the hall together. 

Alone in the elevator, you let out a happy sigh. The interaction filled your heart with joy. It was so wholesome. You couldn’t wipe the smile off your face. It didn’t seem like you would stop thinking Quinn anytime soon. 

.

.

. 

Two weeks later, you’re leaving just as he’s coming home from work. You’re dressed for the club, and he looks beat. 

No, like literally, beat. A small gash above his eyebrow, held together with maybe five or six stitches. His upper lip is banged up too, still bleeding into the tissue he has wrapped around an ice pack. His bag is on the ground and he's fishing in his pockets for his keys. He’s so tired he’s leaning against the wall.

“Holy shit, Quinn,” you say once you get past the shock, and without thinking, you immediately reach out to him. He winces a little when you touch him, and step back. “Sorry. Here, let me help you,” you say, reaching for his keys and slotting it into the keyhole. “What on earth happened to you?”  

Quinn was so fucking tired. They had lost a game they could have won; should have won. He took a high stick with no penalty call, and then ate the wall and had to get stitches. Then at the end of it all he had to sit there and talk to the press about why they lost? And his lip was still fucking bleeding. “I got it,” he muttered, but didn’t even have the energy to fight his keys from you. 

“No, you don’t,” you said, grabbing the strap of his duffel bag, and when you couldn’t lift it you pulled it into his apartment. He went straight for his couch, melting into the cushions. “Have you eaten? I’ll be right back,” you said walking out his front door.

He closed his eyes, and when he opened them again, you had returned with a first aid kit and a steaming bowl of what looked like pasta. You took the ice pack out of his hand and set it down. 

“Quinn, what happened to you?” You asked, leaning over his slumped frame. With a warm, wet cloth you dabbed at his smashed upper lip. He sucked in the pain with a sharp breath. “Did somebody hurt you? God, your mom is going to be so worried.” 

“Don’t tell her,” he said, knowing she probably watched it all happen live. 

While he didn’t have the energy to actually, he was laughing in his head. His mom has seen worse things on the ice. He’s seen worse things happen. Yeah, he’s sore all over, but it was just another day at work. Like most things about you, watching you play nurse amused him. 

Maybe that’s why he let you.

Maybe it was the way your face filled with concern the moment you saw him. 

Maybe it was because it felt nice to be taken care of at the end of a long day. 

You came in close, dabbing a cotton swab with ointment onto the wound, and he held his breath for a different reason. You brought your other hand up to hold his face steady.  

“Are you cashing in that favour?” You raised your eyebrow, trying to lighten the mood. You handed him the bowl of pasta and began to clean up.

“Sure,” he chuckled, smiling for the first time since he got home. He winced as it stretched his lip. He sat up properly to eat, “Thanks.” 

“Don’t mention it,” you said, suddenly hyper aware that you were sitting on his living room floor in one of your skimpier dresses. You tried to adjust yourself as modestly as you could. “I’ll, um, let you rest.” 

It was a good thing you left when you did, Quinn thought, because he was starting to think he could get used to this. 

.

.

A couple days pass and your girlfriends have forgiven you for flaking last weekend, pitying you for being in so deep for a man you hardly knew.

“So, what do you like about him?”

“I don’t know. He’s just such a good guy.” They groaned, like the failure buzzer at a spelling bee. 

What was it about him that drew you to him?

He was kind. Despite being more reserved, he was well-mannered and so effortlessly chivalrous. You liked that he had a good relationship with his parents. He had a good sense of humour, and an even better head of hair. It was just the cherry on top that he was so easy on the eyes. One look and anyone would understand why you had a big fat crush on your neighbour Quinn. 

Three firm knocks on your door made you jump out of your thoughts. With no idea who it could be, you opened the door.

“Hi,” you said, suddenly short of breath.

“Hey.” You stared at each other for a moment before he averted his gaze, unable to maintain such strong eye contact for too long. “I uh, thought you’d want these back.” 

He held a clean bowl and fork between you, the one you gave him pasta in that one night. You took them off his hands. “Took you two days to finish, was it that bad?” you joked.

He laughed, “No, no, it was good, promise. Thanks again. I owe you.” He never did tell you what happened that night, and you decided that it didn’t matter. He didn’t need to. “Would a coffee or something make us even?” 

“Right now?” 

“Sure, if you’re free.”  

“Uh yeah sure, let me just put these away. I’ll be right back.” Though it may have been rude, you didn’t invite him inside.

Otherwise, he would have seen you scream silently on the other side of the door. He would have seen you skip giddily down the hall and drop off the kitchenware on the nearest available surface. You didn’t change, even though it crossed your mind to. You pull a hoodie over your head. This wasn’t a date or anything. Still, you quickly brush your hair, spritz some perfume, and put some lip balm on.

Just two neighbours, getting coffee.  

.

From the coffee shop at the corner to the community park a couple blocks down, Quinn learned a number of things. 

He learned about your day to day; you told him about your job, what you liked about it and some things you didn’t. 

He learned a bit about the neighborhood you grew up in, and growing up the youngest of three siblings. You told him how you felt meeting his parents, and how it made you miss yours. He liked the way you talked about things, honest to your experience and opinion- he didn't feel like you were sugarcoating your thoughts, or telling tales through rose-coloured glasses. 

And while he loved hockey and would never run out of things to say about it, he learned that he enjoyed not talking about it, too. He really liked not being asked about his plan for the next game, about his last game, or his brothers, though he did mention them. 

“Two younger brothers? What’s that like?” 

“I love ‘em to bits,” he said truthfully, “but they can be two pains in my ass.” 

“One for each cheek." You made him laugh.

For a couple hours, he was just himself; a regular guy in a busy city. No C on his chest, no expectations on his shoulders, no team on his back. He couldn't remember the last time he felt this way since moving to Vancouver. Meeting new people in the city, they always seemed to know more about him than he knew about them. It was nice to really introduce himself for the first time in a long time.

Alone in his apartment, he smiled to himself. He wanted to feel like this all the time, and it took everything in him not to walk out his door and knock on yours.

Instead, he picked up his phone and found the contact under which he saved your number. 

.

.

. 

As the city transitioned from winter to spring, the ice that coated your relationship with Quinn melted too. 

He texted you often, and you saw him  more. He’d invite you on his evening runs (even if you couldn’t keep up) and you’d ask him to morning coffee. All nice, neighbourly things. You showed him your favourite ice cream shop, and told him about the sweetest fruit your coworker brought from a farmers market. He suggested you two go, and a man of his word, the next sunny day you did. 

He’d text you photos of things he thought you’d like: a dog in boots on a rainy day; a gacha machine of keychains; the menu of a restaurant he thought you’d like, then make plans to go. He always tried to pay for things, which wasn’t fair to him. You made a decent wage and could afford to pay, so you were always sneaking around him to give the staff your card.  

He never talked about his work, and you never really asked. He was pretty open about everything else. You assumed he didn’t want to talk about it. Some days he seemed stressed and you figured it had to do with his job, and you didn’t think bringing it up would make him feel better. Some workplaces were like that, you knew. The further you were away from it the better you felt. Besides, if he wanted to, he would. 

You felt that way about other things too. If he wanted to change the status of your relationship, he would. 

“You could too, y’know,” your friend was back over at yours having another heart to heart, this time at your kitchen counter with canned cocktails poured out into glasses.

“Yeah, I know,” you sighed. You glanced at your phone, itching to check if he had texted you- your phone was on do not disturb, since you had company, “I like where we’re at though.” 

“If you like it, then why are you thinking about it becoming more?” 

“I..,” you trailed off, partially in thought and hesitating to say the words on your mind, “I don’t like thinking about him doing the same stuff with someone else.” You cringed, hearing how pathetic it sounds out loud. 

“So, you should tell him that,” she said seriously, and you glared at her because she was right. She smiled back because she knew you wouldn’t do it. 

Spending time with Quinn had become the highlight of your days, and you realized all too late not to put so much weight on something that was not guaranteed.  

.

.

. 

“I’m gonna be going home over the summer,” Quinn told you, something he had been putting off, but knew he would have to tell you eventually, “y’know, spend time with the ‘rents.” 

“Oh, nice. Say hi to them for me,” was all you said, and if he wasn’t so observant of you he might have missed the way your expression dropped before you smiled, “Will…” your voice faltered, giving you away again,” Will your brothers be there too?” 

“Yeah,” he smiled at their mention, “Yeah, they will." He thought about inviting you, he did, but if he could put off Jack and Luke taking the piss out of him in front of you, he would. 

"What's summer like in Michigan?" you asked genuinely, and he told you.

He told you about the house on the lake, the pool tournaments, and nights spent drinking around a fire pit. You listened with ears and eyes wide open, and he could see you imagining the picture he painted.

In that moment, he really wanted to take you with him. 

.

Quinn left sometime mid-June, and he texted you every now and then. He did say he barely had to charge his phone during these summer getaways- he tried to stay off it as much as possible. He’d sent you pictures he took of the things he had told you about. He said he would be back sometime in early September. He’d be busy with work when he got back but assured you that you hadn’t seen the last of him. 

But, come December, it started to feel like you did.

You would text him, but his replies were short and far in between. He had declined your last invitation to get coffee, and you were too embarrassed to ever ask again, because the only thing worse than getting rejected is getting rejected twice.

The city grew cold, and so did whatever it was you had with Quinn. 

“Helloo?” You were on the phone with your friend, and she had been calling your name when you went unresponsive. 

“Sorry,” you apologized sheepishly. Her sigh came through heavily over the phone, and you knew she was tired of you being like this. You were getting tired of it, too.

“Why don’t you come out with us tonight?” she suggested, but you knew your friend- she wasn’t asking.

“I don’t know…” 

“You haven’t been out with us in a while,” she reasoned, “and we’re not going to a club, so you don’t even have to dress up. You can show up in your pj’s if you wanted to.” +1 point, for being a casual setting.

“Where are you guys going?”

“Roger’s Arena for the hockey game tonight, it’s right by you,” +1 point for being walking distance. “Dana’s dad has season passes and they’re out of town this weekend.” +1 point for being free. “And look, if you don’t like vibe of the seats, Lucas and his friends have a suite. If I get drunk enough we can go,” Lucas was a guy your friend had been sleeping with. “You might like his friends, and there’s free food.” +100 points for free food. “The food is pretty good.” 

There was just one thing, “I don’t know anything about hockey, though.”

“Were you even listening? There’s boys and free food- you don’t have to give a damn about the game. I know I don’t. And besides, hockey players are hot.”

.

Dana’s dad had really good seats. Middle of the arena, second row from back of the first set of seats to the glass, across the rink from both team benches. You could see the whole rink really well. Dana had grown up on hockey, and was excited to be at a game with her girlfriends for once. When you told her you didn’t know the first thing about hockey, she happily explained the game to you. Three 20 minute periods, 15 minute intermissions between each one. The lines are important. You couldn’t remember why. 

The arena was packed tonight- which made sense, since it was a home game for the Canucks. Dana was relieved that the team’s name was at least familiar to you. She was here for hockey, your other friend was here for Lucas, and you were here to forget about a certain brown-haired boy.

Both teams had hit the ice to warm up on their respective sides. Because Dana asked, you all had arrived at the game extra early, so you were on your phone for the most part, nursing your drink while the players warmed up and the Canucks interacted with fans young and old. 

Blurs of white and blue skated around the arena. You looked up at the jumbotron and choked mid-sip. 

“Shit, are you okay?” Your friend reached out and dabbed at the liquid you had spat out on yourself. 

There, displayed across the big screen was your next-door neighbor. 

Quinn, who hardly texted you in the last six months. Quinn, who had hardly made an effort to see you since coming back from Michigan. Quinn, who had once been the highlight of your days. There was no doubt about it. 

Your stomach flipped, and your heart lurched out of your chest when he had skated in front of your section to interact with the people that gathered in front of the glass.

“Oh my god, it’s Quinn Hughes, we have to go,” Dana pulled you up out of your seat. You looked back helplessly at your friend who was buried in her phone, without a doubt texting Lucas. Dana dragged you ever closer, with additional trivia, “He was recently named captain.”

A whirlwind of emotions ran through you each step you took towards him. Anger, because how could he have kept such a big part of his life from you? Frustrated because you felt guilty for being mad that he was probably too busy and tired to spend time with you.

Most of all, you felt a type of relief seeing him in person again. Though you tried not to (you wanted to be cold to him), a soft smile spread across your face.

When Quinn saw you coming down the aisle, he greeted you with a smirk and a wave.

.

The way he moved across the ice was mesmerizing. Quinn was good, really good. At least, as far as you could tell. Dana raved about him; the arena announcers adored him. The Canucks dominated the ice tonight.

At the end of such a succesful night, he did something that players commonly did, but he had yet to do. While other players threw over their game sticks, he took off his jersey, and grabbing a sharpie from an arena assistant, he signed it and skated over to your section. The people seated up front immediately flocked to him. He spoke to the crowd before tossing the jersey up over the glass, and watched as they played a quick game of telephone to pass it up to you.

You glared at him, what the hell are you doing?

He grinned, and to your heart’s demise, he winked at you.

The arena cameras were not oblivious to the events that transpired in your section, and before you knew it, the jersey was in your lap, and you were pictured on the jumbotron. The arena was deafening as they cheered on your new favorite player. You brought the jersey up to cover your burning face, which gave the camera a good look at what he wrote across the back of the jersey:

Hope you liked your first hockey game.

xx Quinn

.

Quinn snuck out the back of the arena, de-skating in record time and forgoing a shower in an attempt to catch you on your way home. He’d hear from the coaches and administration about it tomorrow, but there were at least a dozen other guys who could handle the post-game interviews for once. When he saw you standing at the entrance of the alleyway, where he had texted you to meet him, he picked up the pace to meet you. Usually, he’d be feeling drained after a good game like today, but the thought of seeing you filled him with adrenaline.

He had missed you, of course he did, after being away from you for so long. Of course he loved his family, and the lake house, and Michigan. But this summer had been nothing like past lake retreats. Everytime he found himself enjoying something- boating on the lake, roasting marshmallows, pool tournaments- he thought about how much you'd enjoy it, too. How much better things could be, would be if you were there. 

Then, coming home, and though he knew it was coming, he didn't realize how much more he was taking on. No wonder Petey never wanted to wear the C. He doesn't regret it, though. He regrets not taking you with him to Michigan. He regrets having to trade morning coffee with you for morning skate. He regrets not knocking on your door every time he came home without seeing you. His heart ached knowing how close you were the entire time, separated by only a few walls, yet it seemed like there were always so many things in the way. His ego, his fear of rejection, his packed schedule. Right now he was closing the distance, and this time he wouldn't let you slip away.

“Couldn’t wait to wear it, huh?” He gave the jersey a tug and when you turned around, he leaned down and kissed you, pulling you closer by the fabric.

Maybe it was the adrenaline running through him.

Maybe it was the way you looked in his jersey under the city lights.

When your arms wrapped around his neck and you pulled him even closer, kissed him back even deeper, he knew he should have done so a long time ago.

“I missed you,” you sighed as your lips parted, and it pulled at his heartstrings.

“I’m sorry,” he hugged you, and with two hands firm against his chest, you made space to look at him.

“Sorry you’ve been ghosting me, or sorry you never told me about all of this?” you motioned to the jersey and the arena. You weren't letting him off easy just because he was a good kisser.

“Both? The right answer is both, right?” He gave you a boyish smile and leaned down to kiss you again, to which you couldn’t resist kissing him back, and he smiled because he knew it. “Let me walk you home. Or are you walking me home?” he joked, pulling you towards the street that would lead you both towards the building you called home. You laughed and let him, happy to be in each other’s company.

.

.

.

.

The Captain of the Canucks Scores On and Off the Ice.

Quinn Hughes has been spotted around downtown Vancouver with what eye witnesses say is the same girl from the viral video after their game in early December against the Anaheim Ducks. After that display, there is no questioning his game. Some fans have taken to calling her ‘Jersey Girl,’ since Hughes allegedly asked her out by giving her his jersey.

Jersey Girl has also 'soft launched' on Hughes' social media. Sweet and suggestive pictures of Jersey Girl waking up in the morning were deleted from his official Instagram story not long after it was posted, but long enough for fast fans to clip and repost.

Hughes has always been a mystery man, so these teasers of his private life just drive the fans insane. There's a reason he's quickly become a fan favourite. 

A source has told E!ntertainment Online that Jersey Girl appears to frequently go home with Hughes which begs the question: Are they living together? Just how long has he been keeping this a secret?

Just goes to show kids, you may have a chance at a relationship with your heroes. 

[samoschier]

telling my kids this was one direction

[samoschier]

back to you

mackie samoskevich x fem estapa! reader

warnings?: cursing, allusions to smut? kind of?, mostly just fluff tho ofc

a/n: this is long af i’m so sorry (i’m not)

masterlist

2008

“mom! mark and mackie are trapping me again!” i yell from the bathroom.

“stop being a wuss y/n.” i hear mark reply.

“please just let me come out.” i beg them. i was always being harassed by mark and his best friend and i never caught a break.

“mark, let’s just let her out okay? she’s been in there long enough.” i hear mackie say.

“ugh fine.” he says opening the door. i stand up off the ground and walk out, wiping the tears that had sprung loose. i didn’t like the way they treated me. i was always being terrorized and i was scared.

“we made her cry dude.”

“that’s sick.”

“okay…..” i hear mackie close out the conversation as i made my way down the stairs to my mother. i sat on the couch with my tear stained face, wrapped in a blanket, watching my favorite movie.

“hey.” i hear a whisper behind the couch.

“mackie?” i ask.

“i’m sorry for locking you in the bathroom y/n. i didn’t mean to make you cry.” he says leaning on the back of the couch.

“it’s okay.” i reply.

“mark likes to do that stuff but i don’t really like doing it to you. i don’t like seeing you cry.” he says and i smile. he runs around the couch to hug me before flying back upstairs before mark notices he’s gone.

-

2014

we all packed into the car to head to mark’s game, which is have been dreading a little less lately. my father putting on classic rock as we make the drive to the rink which became short due to how used to it i was. we find our seats in the rink watching the boys warm up, watching mackie and a few others fly by me every now and then.

“he shoots he scores! mackie samoskevich with the third goal of the game!” the commentator announced as we sat at my brothers hockey game. the crowd overcome with joy for their kids as they got ahead of the opposing team.

“yay mackie!” i yell loudly, my mom chuckling lightly.

“why are you laughing?”

“you two are gonna love each other for the rest of your lives babydoll.” she says adjusting my hat.

“you’re crazy, my only love is harry from one direction.”

“okay y/n.” she laughs, directing her attention back to the game. the game ended wonderfully, mark’s team winning of course.

“alright we’re going to dinner everyone in.” my mom says to mark and i, waving mackie over as well.

“here i’ll sit in the middle.” mackie says smiling at me. we sang and laughed all the way to dinner, mackie and i seemingly closer than before.

“you guys are gross.” mark says coming to the realization at our proximity.

“we are not.”

“are too.” he says turning away and looking out the window.

“mark will you quit, they are literally just sitting next to each other.” my mom says sternly.

“yeah whatever.”

“they’re just mad they aren’t as cool as us.” mackie whispers in my ear, a smile spreading on my face.

‘love each other for the rest of your lives.’ what does she mean?

-

2018

“you kids look great, have so much fun tonight. mark make sure you all get back in one piece.” mom says sending us all out the door. it was my sophomore homecoming.

“you excited?” i ask my boyfriend of 3 months.

“yeah totally.” he says blandly staring at his phone. mark and mackie sat in the front seat chatting amongst themselves. i turn away from him and lean my head on the window, watching the sun set. things had been this way lately. my boyfriend made me feel like i was trying too hard, like he was uninterested.

“alright we’re here. y/n don’t do anything stupid with your boyfriend.” mark says putting the keys in his pockets and walking off. mackie standing behind for just a moment.

“find me if you need anything.” he says earning a nod from me as he walks off to join his best friend.

“let’s go.” my boyfriend huffs, grabbing onto my hand. we find our way into the dance. i look around to see everyone having fun with their dates and friends, meanwhile we sat on a bench barely speaking.

“i’m going to the bathroom.” he speaks to me, standing up and walking away. leaving me alone on this god forsaken bench for losers. many minutes go by and he hasn’t returned.

“what the fuck?” i say looking down at my phone. i stand up adjusting my dress before seeing him dancing in a group of friends, mostly containing girls, his hand tucked firmly on one of their hips. i exhaled loudly, knowing deep down this was happening all along, allowing a tear to escape.

“y/n?” i hear a familiar voice speak.

“oh uh, hey mack.” i say looking at him and then returning my gaze to the floor.

“hey, are you okay? what’s wrong?” he asks noticing my tone and sitting down next to me.

“im breaking up with him.” i say looking back up, mackie following my gaze to him.

“give me your phone.”

“why?”

“give it to me, unlocked.” he demands so i follow. he scrolls to find his name and number in all my socials, blocking him. cutting him out of my life for me.

“thank you.” i say wiping my tears.

“of course y/n.” he says wrapping an arm around my shoulder comfortingly.

“i know you liked him a lot but you deserve better than that.” he speaks after a few moments and i feel his gaze piercing the side of my head.

“i really thought i loved him.” i sigh.

“it hurts i know.” he says, thumb caressing my bicep.

“can we go?” i ask looking into his warm brown eyes.

“yeah of course, come with me.” he says grabbing onto my hand as we hunted mark down.

“hey bud, we gotta go.” mackie says patting my brother on the shoulder.

“why?”

“y/n got, well to put it bluntly, cheated on.” he says simply and marks demeanor changes.

“yeah let’s go, ill catch you guys later” mark says to his friends, grabbing the keys from his pocket and guides us out of the dance. the drive home was quiet, the only thing silencing my cries was the music mark chose to play loudly so i could be alone. once we arrived home i made my way up into my bedroom and changed, not once stopping the tears that left my body. i hear a knock on my door once i’m settled.

“come in.” i say aloud.

“hey y/n,” it’s mackie in his pj pants and umich shirt, ”i’m so sorry about tonight, i’m staying over so let me know if you need anything okay?” he says not stepping in my room.

“thank you mack.” i say smiling lightly, my heart beginning to flutter.

“of course y/n/n.” he smiles shutting my door. the butterflies in my stomach seem to settle over the next hour but never truly going away knowing i could call him in here in two seconds. i zone back into my movie, unfortunately i picked a sad movie on an already sad night, and i started to cry again. i pull out my phone texting him, requesting his presence. moments later i hear a light knock on my door.

“come in.” i say sniffling.

“are you okay?” he asks standing in the door. i shake my head looking down at my hands sitting in my lap.

“hey y/n it’s gonna be okay, we’re here for you.” he says.

“can you come in here?” i ask and he does so shutting the door behind him.

“mark is asleep, i wanted to stay up in case you needed something.” he says walking over and sitting on the floor next to me.

“mack you can sit on the bed, it’s big enough for the both of us.” i giggle lightly.

“i wasn’t sure if you wanted me to.”he says standing up and walking around to sit on the bed with me. i lean back up against my headboard, still allowing slow falling tears. i sniffle loudly, not wanting my nose to run, causing him to look at me and frown.

“y/n.” he says leaning closer and wiping my tears away.

“what?” i ask frowning at him.

“you don’t need to cry, he was an asshole.” he laughs not breaking eye contact.

“yeah but-“

“no buts, he’s not worth your tears.”

“okay,” i say leaning my head on his shoulder as i try to fall sleep.

“you deserve so much better, i hope you see that one day.” i hear him whisper and kiss me on the head as i begin to slip into a peaceful sleep.

‘love each other for the rest of your lives’?

-

summer 2020

quarantine hasn’t been so bad with mark having all his friends over to keep us company.

“hey hey y/n.” mark asks as im about to walk inside.

“can you grab me a drink?” he says.

“yeah.” i say grabbing one from the cooler. i feel eyes staring at me, intensely.

“thanks.” he says taking the drink from me and i return to my chair next to mackie. i lay on my stomach, resting my chin on my forearms shutting my eyes.

“shut up.” i here mackie whisper in a stern tone, the other boys laughing.

“huh?” i say sitting up, clearly having fallen asleep.

“well how was your nap?” mackie asks as i roll onto my back.

“it was great.” i smile at him ignoring the snickering boys behind him. my cheeks burned red as id developed strong feelings since that night i feel asleep on his shoulder and was flustered by his care for my nap.

“i’m glad.” he says returning the smile. after a few hours of laying out in the sun, i make my way inside and sit at the kitchen island after making a sandwich.

“shut the fuck up, please like actually.” i hear mackie say from outside with the boys laughing. shortly after i hear the door open and shut and im greeted by none other than mack himself.

“hey mack, what’s up?”

“they’re driving me insane because gosh dare i look in your direction.” he smirks shaking his head.

“that’s stupid i’m sorry.” i laugh.

“like sorry im enjoying the view.”

“oh?”

“well since i said that, you look great y/n.”

“well thank you.” i blush hiding my cheeks with my hands as my elbows rested on the counter.

“yeah of course, i’m just telling the truth, you look amazing.” he says taking the other half of my sandwich and heading back to the door.

“hey hey no come back here with that.” i say and he pauses, taking steps backwards.

“so you weren’t gonna ask me first?”

“nope.” he smiles.

“we’re splitting it.” i say firmly.

“you have a whole other half.”

“mackie i made a full sandwich because im hungry for a whole sandwich.” i laugh.

“fine.” he says hopping up on the counter next to where i’m sitting, he takes a bite and hands it to me.

“thank you.” i smiled at him flirtatiously taking a bite directly off the part he just ate off of, his face slightly turning rose.

“always gotta share with my favorite estapa.” he smirks.

“favorite?” i raise my eyebrows at him.

“don’t tell mark.” he winks, taking the sandwich back and having another bite, the tension in the room rising.

“i won’t.” i blush as he holds out his pinky for mine to latch onto.

“you gonna come back out with us?” he asks me, handing the last bite back to me.

“honestly no i’m pretty exhausted from the sun.”

“okay i won’t either, think ‘m gonna shower and change. all the guys are probably gonna go out on the boat.”

“you don’t wanna go with them?”

“nah not really, the sun really does suck the life out of you.” he says in an odd tone.

“well i’m gonna go get cleaned up, i will see you in a bit.” i say standing up and pushing my chair in.

“alright me too.” he says hopping down from the counter.

“if you need anything i’ll be in my room.” i say to him as i make my way up the stairs.

“perfect.” he smiles and exits the room. i’d consider that an invitation accepted. i shower and change, melting into the comfort of my bed, hearing the familiar knock.

“come in.” i say, as per usual.

“whatcha doin?” he asks coming in and shutting the door behind him.

“oh i just finished drying my hair about to watch something.” i laugh switching on my tv.

“so what are we watching?” he asks laying down leaning up on his elbow still shirtless but in running shorts, making it hard for me to focus.

“whatever you wanna watch.” i smile and look at him nervously.

“just put on the office or something.” he says.

“but you’ve watched it a million times.”

“yeah well i figured you’d wanna talk so id be able to pay full attention to you.”

“oh okay.” i blush not knowing how to act. after a while of a little small talk, i grew cold at the temperature in the room, goosebumps littering my skin.

“c’mere.” i hear mackie whisper as he pulls me to his chest, heat radiating off of him.

“thank you.”

“yeah of course, i could tell you were cold.” he giggles, running his warm hand up and down my arm, rubbing away the goosebumps.

“you’re so warm how?” i laugh.

“not really sure honestly.” he replies smiling, i roll over to face him.

“like a teddy bear.” i smile.

“your teddy bear only though, got it?” he laughs.

“got it.” i giggle as he places his chin on top of my head and sighs.

“why are you sighing?” i ask, wrapping my arm around his torso.

“oh nothing, don’t worry.” he says as his grin on me becomes firmer.

“oh……. okay.” i say shutting my eyes inhaling his sweet masculine scent, wishing this moment could last forever.

“i wonder where the guys are at.” i say after a few minutes of comfortable silence.

“not sure.” he says simply.

“are you okay?” i ask pulling my head from under his chin to look at him.

“perfectly.” he smiles, pressing a light kiss to my forehead, burning my cheeks red.

“just had to make sure you were good, it’s not like you to not be with them.”

“well, guess i just needed time away from the chaos, time to myself. needed some peace.”

“well you’re not by yourself.”

“i know,” he laughs, “i needed some peace and that’s what i feel when i’m alone with you.”

“oh.” i smile lightly placing my head back under his chin.

‘love each other for the rest of our lives…….’?

-

2021

my feelings for mackie only grew daily after that pool day with all the boys. i practically melt into the floor every time he even speaks to me, which is often. my family and i sat on the couch, watching the draft. several of mark’s teammates were being drafted and we all wanted to support them, mackie being one. it sparked fear in me, the idea of him being whisped away from me.

“the florida panthers are proud to select, from the chicago steel of the ushl, mackie samoskevich.” the man announced as we all jumped for joy, or at least most of us. i was devastated. that’s like an 18 hour drive.

“he’s coming over later tonight so we gotta make him dinner or something. he said he wants to see you guys.” mark says, filling me with anxiety. i get to see him today. as we all quickly scrambled to throw together a meal for him, my mind wouldn’t stop spinning. when is the last time im gonna see him? after an hour or so, the doorbell rings and i sprint to go answer it. i open the door to mackie, dressed still in his hat and jersey.

“hey.” he says smiling at me.

“oh my god i’m so proud of you.” i say practically knocking him over in a hug. he lifts me up off the ground hugging me tightly before setting me down and entering the household, guiding me back in by the small of my back, covering my body in goosebumps at the light touch.

“hey mister draftee.” my mom shouts walking over to hug him, mark following suit.

“we made you dinner.” mark says turning him to the kitchen.

“you guys didn’t have to, thank you so much.” he says smiling gratefully. we sat next to each other at the table as he told us everything about his day. it was exciting and packed full of interviews. i just wish he could stay. once we were done with dinner, i put my plate in the dishwasher and found my way up into my room, barely being able to stand being around him. shortly after, hearing light knocks on my door.

“come in.” i say as the door reveals a lone mackie, shutting the door behind him.

“why’d you come hide out?” he says sitting on the edge of my bed.

“because i couldn’t be down there anymore.” i say keeping my voice from waivering too much.

“why not?” he asks with a concerning tone.

“i’m so happy for you, please understand that but i don’t want you to go mackie, i don’t want you to leave.” i say allowing a single tear to fall.

“oh y/n/n, it’s okay. it won’t be for at least another year or two.” he says reassuringly.

“i know but it’s still gonna happen.” i say using my sleeves to wipe my tears.

“hey no don’t cry, it’s okay. c’mere.” he says as we meet in the middle, hugging into each other tightly, only making me cry more. he held me until i calmed down, rubbing my back soothingly. once we break apart, he removes his hat, placing it on my head.

“keep it, it looks amazing on you.” he smiles as he adjusts it to fit me.

“thank you.” i say quietly, our faces inches apart.

“of course.” he smiles, closing the gap between us, connecting our lips sweetly. eventually, we separate, his hand cupping my cheek.

“i’m not going anywhere, you’ll always have me.” he says as i place my hand back on top of his.

“promise?” i say, my eyes glimmering with hope.

“promise.” he says kissing me again. somehow instinctively, i lay back allowing him to deepen the kiss. i remove the hat from my head, tossing it to the floor as my hands find their way around his shoulders, keeping him close to me. allowing myself to let loose and give into his touch, removing our clothes one piece at a time, never wanting to separate our lips that seemed to be made for each other.

“don’t stop please.” i say as we break apart for a moment, locking eyes.

“are you sure?”

“yes i’m sure.”

“whatever you want.” he smiles reconnecting our lips, fireworks setting off in my stomach. i was nervous beyond belief but i knew i could trust him. his lips trailing down my jaw to my neck, peppering my exposed skin with kisses, his hands holding me gently as though i was made of glass, allowing myself to relax into his touch and trust his guidance into something i had never experienced.

-

my first time having sex was with the boy i’ve loved since i was a little girl and i couldn’t imagine it any other way.

“how are you feeling, do you need anything?” he asks as i trace shapes on his bare chest.

“i’m okay thank you though.” i reply and he kisses me on the head.

“of course.”

“i need to-“

“woah and just where do you think you’re going?” he asks grabbing onto my hand.

“i was gonna go check the pantry.”

“baby no, come back here, i’ll order us some doordash later okay?”

“okay.” i say, crawling back into his grasp.

“can you stay over tonight? well i mean you don’t have to if you don’t want to but i kinda would like you to.” i ask running my fingers through his dark hair.

“yeah of course i can, let me text my mom. and yes i do want to.” he says grabbing his phone off the night stand, ignoring the texts from mark and all his friends and family.

“you should answer them.” i say.

“i’ll get around to it later, all i care about right now is being here with you.” he says texting his mother, then setting his phone down on dnd.

“oh, okay.” i say blushing, looking away from his face.

“are you going to regret this tomorrow?” i ask out of the blue and he looks down at me like i just said the most outlandish thing ever.

“baby no, of course not. it was so special how could i ever regret having sex with you. it was so intimate and beautiful, especially since it was your first time, i’m glad it was me so i could make sure you had a good experience.” he explains, my heart fluttering at his words.

“okay, thank you for reassuring me.”

“always.” he says kissing me lightly on the lips.

“and it was more than good mackie, you’re absolutely fucking amazing and also very beautiful. i’ve never felt so connected to someone, no pun intended.” i say giggling at the end.

“you may not have been my first but god damn you were the best, so so beautiful baby.” he says smiling and littering my neck with light kisses as my fingers find my way back into his soft curls.

“i never want you to leave mackie.”

“honestly, i’m starting to question it myself too.” he smiles and we laugh as his thumb brushes my side lightly, his grip on me sending butterflies through my whole body.

‘love each other for the rest of our lives.’

-

may 2023

it was the morning of mackie leaving for development camp in florida and i’m devastated. we never made anything official but we were always together for the last two years. attached at the hip, so hopelessly in love with him.

“i’m coming over in a few, i already have all my stuff packed.” he says over the phone while i get dressed.

“okay, how long does it take to get to the airport?” i ask him.

“like an hour probably.” he replies.

“okay ill see you in a few mack.”

“alright bye.” he says hanging up. i wish i could just tell him how i feel but i can’t. a few minutes later hearing my front door open. i spray on my perfume and bolt down the stairs.

“mackie!” i say hugging him.

“hey y/n.” he says returning the hug.

“are you ready to go?”

“oh uh, my flight is actually tomorrow. i wanted to spend the day here before i left.” he says.

“i’m the only one here though? mark is at his girlfriends.” i say.

“maybe that’s because i wanted to come spend the day with you.” he smiles pushing his suitcase handle down.

“really?”

“yes.” he laughs.

“oh thank you.” i say hugging him again.

“wanted to come spend my last day in michigan with my favorite girl.” he says rubbing his thumb over my cheekbone. i hold onto his hand as he guides me up the stairs back into my room. he lays down on my bed opening his arms for me to lay with him, which i quickly do.

“i wish you didn’t have to leave.” i say quietly.

“i know, but i need to.”

“promise you won’t forget about me?”

“no, i could never forget about you. i’ll fly you down to come see me whenever you want okay?” he says brushing hair out of my face.

“are you sure? i don’t want to hold you back.” i reply.

“you would not be holding me back, i am not looking for anyone okay. no one can replace you.” he mumbles into my hair kissing me.

“mackie.”

“y/n.”

“i’m gonna miss you so much.” i say skipping over what i was going to say.

“i’m gonna miss you more sweet girl.” he says smiling kissing me. after a good night together, we wake up bright and early to take him to the airport.

“mackie.” i say softly shaking him awake.

“what?” he groans.

“it’s time to go to the airport.” i say whispering kissing him on the shoulder.

“let me put a shirt on.” he says sitting up and stretching, his raspy morning voice driving me insane.

“all your stuff is downstairs ready to go.” i say sliding on a pair of shorts.

“let’s go.” he says exiting my room. we get into the car and i put in the directions.

“so are you excited?” i ask him.

“i am excited but im sad to leave here.” he sighs.

“why?”

“because i’m leaving my whole life behind, my friends, and you.” he says sliding his hand into my thigh and resting it there

“well this is gonna be good for you okay? we’ll all still be here.”

“i know but i can’t just pull up to your house to see you now.” he laughs.

“true true.” i reply, the rest of the car ride goes smoothly and we arrive at the airport. we park and i go in with him, not quite ready to leave his side.

“well this is where i have to leave you.” he laughs looking up at security check in.

“bye mack.”

“bye baby.” he says hugging me tightly, kissing me on the head and then the lips after pulling away.

“i’ll see you soon okay?” he says holding my cheeks in his hands.

“okay.” i smile weakly. he kisses me lightly on the forehead one last time before turning away and walking into security. i stand there and watch his license get checked and boarding pass scanned before he disappears into security.

“i love you mackie.” i whisper to myself before exiting the airport and walking back to his car that he is so graciously letting me borrow. i shut the door and sat in the car in silence, admiring the way it still smelled like his cologne and the way he left a bracelet wrapped around the gear shift. i remove it and place it on my wrist, slightly dangling at the size difference but still i admired it. i turned the car on and made my way back home, pulling into my driveway.

“glad you made it home safe, how’s his car?” my mom asks.

“oh it’s great.” i smile.

“don’t worry babe, you’ll see him soon.” she smiles hugging me.

“hopefully.” i smile making my way upstairs.

“mark?” i ask knocking on his door lightly, mackie having been dropped off two hours ago.

“come in.” he replies.

“hey.” i say, tears filling my eyes.

“what’s up?” he asks setting his controller down.

“can i uh, can i talk to you?”

“yeah of course. what’s up?” he says a tear exiting my eye.

“please don’t be mad when i tell you this.”

“y/n don’t cry, whatever it is i can’t possibly mad at you for.” he admits, his voice calming me down. in recent years he’d become a much kinder older brother.

“i love mackie. like love love him and i don’t want you to be mad at me, which im sure you will but please you have to understand.” i say to him which he starts laughing.

“why are you laughing?”

“you think i didn’t already know that you love him?” he asks.

“well….. no.”

“oh y/n come here.” he says opening his arms and hugging me.

“i’ve known you loved him for years, i’ve been watching it unfold.” he says.

“so you aren’t mad?” i say pulling away.

“no of course i’m not. you’re my sister and he’s my best friend. i want you guys to be happy, and if you’re happy together then i have no complaints.” he laughs.

“i did not expect this.” i laugh wiping my tears.

“the real question is, have you told him yet?” he asks genuinely.

“i haven’t, he’s gone now.”

“well why don’t you go see him at the start of the season? i don’t want you to keep it from him y/n/n.”

“i’ll talk to mom.”

“she’ll say yes.”

“how do you know?”

“you really think her and i haven’t talked about you two?”

“oh.” i reply slightly embarrassed, “well thank you for the talk, i love you.”

“i love you too.” he replies, we never speak to each other this way but it felt right after the talk we just had. our relationship steadily improving by the day.

-

october 2023

the first game of the preseason is in one day and my mom is flying me down to see him play.

“have a safe flight hun, text me when you land.” my mom says as i hang up and board my flight. i tell mackie i have a lab exam so he doesn’t get suspicious as to why i don’t answer for 3 hours. once i land, i uber to my hotel, anxiously waiting for it to be the next day, going to bed extra early even.

“meet your 23 florida panthers at our pregame meet and greet and arrival.” i read the tweet aloud to myself. i put on his hat from the draft and the crewneck i ordered a few weeks ago and head out of my hotel room to the location of the event, keeping my head low. as the event begins the players all enter the fenced area to greet anxious fans, when i see mackie walk out i practically fall to the floor. slowly, i approach him as he’s talking to a teammate.

“hey what do you- oh my god.” he says as i look up and he gets a good look at me.

“hi mack.” i smile as he picks me up in a hug like he hasn’t seen me in years.

“hi y/n.” he smiles, interlocking our fingers and finding a less populated area.

“i’m so happy you’re here.”

“me too, i booked my trip literally two days ago.” i laugh.

“you’re too good to me.” he says.

“i have something i need to tell you and i feel like now is the best time since you have a game in a few hours.” i say holding my breath.

“yeah what is it? did you pass your exam?”

“i didn’t take one dumbass.” i laugh and his gaze never faulters.

“i love you mack. like so much, and i’ve been keeping this from you for so long because i didn’t know how you would react.” i finally confess. barely catching him off guard.

“oh you’re fucking incredible y/n i love you more baby, so much more.” he simply replies kissing me sweetly, allowing the moment to dwindle as long as possible.

“let’s go say hey to the kids yeah?” he asks grabbing onto my hand again. my face showing how shocked i am at his reaction or lack there of.

“yeah ok, are all the girlfriends and wives here too, i need to have someone to sit with.” i ask snapping back into reality.

“yeah they’re here, and now i have mine.”

“yours?”

“baby, you’ve been all mine since my draft day, at least to me you have been. i didn’t look at another woman the way i look at you, i didn’t even entertain anyone, i was just too scared to ask you out because of mark.” he laughs.

“mack he knows i love you, i told him first and well let’s just say he’s known for years.”

“well i mean it all works out right.” he smiles.

���yeah it does. it feels good to be yours.”

“same he- hey buddy what’s up.” he says holding out his fist for a small fan.

“you’re my favorite player ever!” the little boy confesses sporting a michigan hockey tshirt.

“thank you buddy.” he says squatting down for a picture with the young fan. he has small talk with his parents before they move onto the next.

“you’re so precious.” i whisper in his ear.

“well it helps because i’m happy you’re here with me.” he replies kissing me on the cheek.

-

present

“baby?” mackie yells walking in the door with his bag of gear.

“in here,” i replied from the bedroom. mackie and i made it official that day in october and ive been doing most of my school online.

“how’d you do on your exam?” he asks walking in, my eyes directing towards is damp, dark curls.

“i got an 87, so better than i thought.” i smiled.

“good i’m glad.” he says walking over and kissing me on the head and taking a seat next to me.

“i bought your christmas gift today.” he smiles.

“oh did you?”

“i sure did.”

“what’d you get me?”

“and that’s the question where i stop answering.” he laughs.

“damnit.” i reply.

“let’s go watch a movie baby.” he says shutting my laptop, and picking me up off the bed.

“didn’t even give me a chance to answer.”

“it wasn’t a question.” he laughs tossing me on the couch and climbing over me, laying his head on my chest, my fingers instinctively finding their way into his dark locks.

“you know what my mom told me at one of your games when we were little?” i say breaking the focus from the movie.

“no what’d she say?” he asks.

“i still remember her exact words, ‘you two will love each other for the rest of your lives babydoll’.”

“she said that?” he asks sitting up

“yes, i’ve loved you since i was 8 mackie. she was right and i never wanted to admit it to myself until that night of the draft but i never told you, i was too scared you wouldn’t feel the same.”

“would it kill you to say i’ve loved you since then too.” he laughs.

“no shot.”

“yep you heard me, since i was 9 years old. and draft night really confirmed it for me too, i waited patiently. and that one pool day, where we shared the sandwich? i was falling for you so hard y/n, like you don’t even understand.”

“wait really?” i giggle.

“yes oh my god, i didn’t wanna leave your bed or you. i just wanted to lay there together. i never wanted the boys to come back.” he laughs.

“how did it take us this long to get here?” i ask.

“it doesn’t matter how long it took, what matters is that we’re here, together, now, and i wouldn’t change a thing about it.” he smiles.

“what do you see in our future?” i ask him.

“well, getting married to you has been on my mind since i was like 13 but now that we’re adults that can actually happen.”

“oh really?” i laugh.

“yep, and we can start a family and buy a house and get a dog.”

“we could.” i smile at him pausing briefly, “i love you mackie.”

“i love you more.” he replies kissing me deeply.

and it turns out mom was right, we do love each other, and definitely for the rest of our lives.